The Way To Wealth

Father Abraham also sends his listeners a clear message encouraging frugality and living within one’s own financial means. He offers colorful descriptions of the base condition of indebtedness, warning his listeners to avoid such a sad state of affairs by spending money on only what is essential. Again, Poor Richard provides many aphorisms for Father Abraham to use in support of his argument: “what maintains one vice would bring up two children” (12) is one saying that discourages spending money on wicked activities. Another saying that counsels thrift even when the cost is minimal is “beware of little expenses; a small leak will sink a great ship” (12).

As well, Father Abraham points out that it is important to recognize the foolishness of aspiring to appear wealthier than is actually true; he even goes as far as to compare someone who postures as something different than his or her real self as a “frog” who “swell[s], in order to equal the ox” (15). In this mode of thinking, frugality can be interpreted as a helpful barrier between a person and his or her vanity; by saving the money that could be spent on one’s appearance, a person can focus on prioritizing more worthy concerns.

Father Abraham also attempts to teach his listeners about the value of modesty in the context of frugality. A preoccupation with one’s own appearance is impractical, as it wastes time that could be better used working and it wastes money that could be needed for essentials. As well, it inspires in people a detrimental habit of comparing their own lot to that of others; when people find their own lot wanting, follies, like going into debt, soon follow.

Father Abraham cautions that “pride that dines on vanity sups on contempt” and “fond pride of dress, is sure a very curse; e’er fancy you consult, consult your purse” (15). Even worse than worry about one’s own appearance is the consequence of such an undeserving focus. According to Poor Richard himself: “[P]ride breakfasted with plenty, dined with poverty, and supped with infamy” (15). The assumption that vanity can lead to a poor and miserable life doubles as an argument against spending on credit, which is a violation of yet another message Father Abraham attempts to make regarding self-reliance.