If you think that the problems that we are facing in the world today are unique, then you should pick up a copy of The Way to Wealth by Benjamin Franklin which was rewritten by Jack Vincent and you will be amazed how little has changed. Even though Franklin wrote this book in the 1700s, almost everything still applies. At that time, people had the same complaints: making ends meet, a weak economy, heavy taxes, and foreigners “stealing our jobs.”
Fast forward to 2010 – we are still taking about the exact same things. The majority of us still have not learned the lessons contained in this book. We complain about high taxes, a terrible economy, and inadequate health care, yet we go out and buy lottery tickets, cigarettes, and alcohol that destroy our financial and physical health. We spend much of the money we earn on things that we do not need and cannot afford such as expensive houses, high-definition television sets, meals out, and various electronics. If we operate in this manner, how can we possibly have prosperous lives? The author says, “Even if our government gave us back 100% of our taxes, most of us would be poor because of our choices.”
This short and simple book is amazing. I do not know of any other book that has so much wisdom packed into so few pages, and this special edition “translates” Franklin’s Old English into a language that is comprehensible to today’s readers. The lessons in this book give us the power to take control of our destiny, build wealth, and lead happier lives. Franklin’s quotes are timeless and his lessons are straightforward. The choice is ours: we can read this book, forget about the lessons, and return to our old habits, or we can take this information to heart, apply it religiously, and make our lives as fulfilling as we have always dreamed for them to be. To get a copy, visit TheWayToWealthBook.com.
Interview with Jack Vincent
Mariusz Skonieczny: Classic Value Investors: Jack, you didn’t have a traditional American childhood because at the age of 17, you had to support your family while your peers worried about making the basketball or football team in high school. Tell us about your hardships.
Jack Vincent: TheWayToWealthBook.com: Thanks Mariusz, your right. At a young age, I had the age old problem of supporting a family, paying the rent, putting food on the table, paying for things like health care and diapers. At that time it seemed like I was the only one with the burden of trying to make a living. I was searching for answers and how other people dealt with these issues. That’s when I came upon Benjamin Franklin’s book called the Way To Wealth. This book was the foundation I used to get my “financial house” in order. I became prosperous and successful by applying the principles contained within the book.
Mariusz Skonieczny: Classic Value Investors: How did you discover Franklin’s book?
Jack Vincent: TheWayToWealthBook.com: It happened quite serendipitously. I was at my local library and saw in a glass case an old book titled, The Way to Wealth by Benjamin Franklin. I had to see what was in that little book so I asked the librarian and was told, it’s too fragile to handle. Luckily, the librarian changed her mind once she realized how important it was for me to look at the book. Shortly after that, I was able to secure a copy of my own.
Mariusz Skonieczny: Classic Value Investors: What types of changes did you make after reading it? How did you incorporate these lessons into your life?
Jack Vincent: TheWayToWealthBook.com: The first change was: I finally had a feeling of hope! I realized that my money problems and desire for a successful and a prosperous life would be realized by applying what Benjamin Franklin taught about money and success in his book. The next lesson was: most money problems are easy problems to solve once you learn the principles that have made so many people successful and prosperous.
Mariusz Skonieczny: Classic Value Investors: What are your two most favorite quotes from the book?
Jack Vincent: TheWayToWealthBook.com: That’s a tough question because I love so many of the quotes. However, I suppose one I remind myself of frequently is, “Experience keeps a dear school, but fools will learn in no other”. I remind myself that learning and gaining knowledge is a true treasure. The other quote is “God helps those that help themselves”. No matter what your religious beliefs, I like the quote because it reminds me that we have a choice! We have a choice to help ourselves.
Mariusz Skonieczny: Classic Value Investors: I have read the original book, but I have to say that it is not the easiest book to read because it was written in 18th century old English. Your version of the book translates the text into today’s English, which is much easier to understand. What made you want to take on the project of translating it into modern English?
Jack Vincent: TheWayToWealthBook.com: After I started living and realizing a prosperous and successful life, I secured about 30 copies of a nicely done limited reprint of the original book. I gave these copies out to friends, family and clients over the years. The gift was always received with great appreciation however, because the book was written in 18th century old English, it was hard to understand. It was then when I got the idea to write a modern day version so the financial wisdom of Benjamin Franklin could continue to help young and old people alike for the next 250 years. My main motivation was to produce this modern version for my college age children, their friends and my nieces and nephews. However, the response has been overwhelming not only with young people but everyone that has had the opportunity to review the book.
Mariusz Skonieczny: Classic Value Investors: The lessons in the book are very basic, why do you think that most people do not apply them?
Jack Vincent: TheWayToWealthBook.com: Actually they are basic to you because you have learned and applied Franklin’s wisdom in your life. However, the lessons were not basic to me at the age of 19, nor most young people or even many middle age people in today’s world. People need to hear these foundational principles and the genius of Benjamin Franklin was that he placed all of the principles into a story that painted a lovely picture of the benefits and consequences of either knowing and applying these principles or ignoring them with perilous consequence. I think most people need to see how the principles in the book all work together to form a solid, prosperous and successful life.
At one time this book was required reading in many schools and universities throughout our nation’s history. I think now more than ever, we need to know these time tested principles that have made our country and our people so prosperous and successful.
Mariusz Skonieczny: Classic Value Investors: Thank you very much for the interview. Can you leave us with some final advice that you would give to someone looking for success and prosperity?
Jack Vincent: TheWayToWealthBook.com: Thank you Mariusz for the work you have done with your investment advice and bringing this information to your audience. Now to answer your question:
Yes – There is one final thing I would like to say. There is hope for your financial life and great joy and satisfaction in living a solid and prosperous future. No matter what your situation you either know someone that can benefit from these foundational principles in The Way To Wealth or perhaps you yourself need to learn them. The promise is, by knowing these principles, you will have a more prosperous and successful life. Benjamin Franklin did, I did and so have millions of others by applying the books wisdom.
My recommendation is, “get a copy of the book anywhere you can.” Read it yourself and give it as a gift to a young person you know or someone in need. If you can’t afford to spend $12.95, write me and I will donate one to your local library. I feel that strongly.
Thank you all and I leave you with my highest hopes for your prosperity and success!
The Way To Wealth – Special Edition
There are a limited number of autographed copies of The Way to Wealth – Special Edition that may be purchased directly from the Authors website. The Special Edition contains both the Modern Easy-To-Read version by Jack Vincent as well as the original version by Benjamin Franklin. Unsigned copies will be available on Amazon, Barnes and Noble and other places books are sold after the official release date on September 1st, 2010.
Special Offer
The first two people that e-mail the author through his website and mention this post will receive a free signed copy of The Way to Wealth.
