Poor Richard's Almanack, 1740
Benjamin Franklin
Debt in Franklin's time was more than financial—it was a moral failing, a mark of imprudence. Franklin, a self-made man who valued both thrift and reputation, advises prioritizing long-term stability over short-term gratification. In an era when public face mattered, he underscores the virtue of living within one's means. His almanac offers this as a practical guide to personal integrity.