Letters from a Self-Made Merchant to His Son

by George Horace Lorimer
Letters from a Self-Made Merchant to His Son cover
Good Books rating 4.16
Technical
  • ID: 84
  • Added: 2025-09-02
  • Updated: 2025-09-02
  • ISBN: 9781528787796
  • Publisher: Read Books Ltd
  • Published: 2019-10-11
  • Reviews: 4

This volume contains is the a series of letters between an American self-made millionaire and his son who is just entering the family business. Dating back to the 1890s, the letters contain timeless advice and words of wisdom that are as useful today as when first written. “Letters from a Self-Made Merchant to His Son” is highly recommended for anyone involved in business and not to be missed by young entrepreneurs. George Horace Lorimer (1867–1937) was an American author, journalist, and publisher most famous for being the editor of The Saturday Evening Post between 1899 and 1936. As editor, the paper's circulation rose from a few thousand to over a million. Many vintage books such as this are becoming increasingly scarce and expensive. We are republishing this volume now in an affordable, modern, high-quality edition complete with the original text and artwork.

Reviews
JamesClear.com · James Clear · 2025-09-02
pragmatic 4.25

The book provides practical, timeless business and life advice through letters, emphasizing the importance of financial prudence, self-reliance, and wise use of knowledge.

James Clear appreciates how the book distills complex life and business lessons into simple, memorable maxims, like the value of saving money and the importance of acting promptly on tasks. He highlights John Graham’s advice that success requires personal effort, not inheritance, and that there is no substitute for hard work and self-discipline. The insight about a good wife doubling happiness and expenses adds a human touch to the pragmatic counsel. The review conveys that these letters remain relevant, offering foundational guidance for anyone starting their career or managing finances.

Quick quotes

    It isn’t so much knowing a whole lot, as knowing a little and how to use it that counts.

    There is plenty of room at the top here, but there is no elevator in the building.

    Pay day is always a month off for the spend-thrift, and he is never able to realize more than sixty cents on any dollar that comes to him.

Ryan Holiday · Ryan Holiday · 2025-09-02
timeless 4.30

Praised as one of the best business books ever read, this collection of letters delivers honest, timeless advice that feels relevant across eras.

Ryan Holiday values the book for its authentic and enduring business wisdom, noting that although the letters are fictional and date from the 1890s, the advice remains strikingly applicable today. He describes the correspondence as genuine and packed with useful insights for anyone entering the business world or life in general. Holiday's endorsement highlights the book's ability to transcend time and offer lessons that feel fresh and true regardless of changing contexts. The reviewer also points out that whether the story is true or fictional is secondary to the value of the guidance it imparts. This underscores the universal appeal and importance of the principles shared by Old Gorgon Graham, making the book a recommended read for those seeking foundational business and life lessons.

Quick quotes

    It might seem weird to recommend this 100 year old book, but it really is the best business book I’ve ever read.

    The letters date back to the 1890s but feel like they could have been written in any era.

    Honest. Genuine. Packed with good advice.

Novel Investor · 2025-09-02
practical 4.10

The letters provide practical and timeless business and life advice through a father’s thoughtful guidance to his son, emphasizing prudence, hard work, and integrity.

This review highlights the value found in the father’s advice to his son, which covers topics such as money management, the importance of saving, and the dangers of recklessness. The father’s lessons are grounded in common sense and moral responsibility, stressing that success is earned through careful planning and character rather than luck or shortcuts. The reviewer cites specific memorable quotes that underline the philosophy that wealth is not simply inherited or given but achieved through effort and wise choices. The practical wisdom and old-fashioned values make the book a meaningful guide for young adults starting their career path and anyone interested in foundational business ethics.

Quick quotes

    The only sure way that a man can get rich quick is to have it given to him or to inherit it.

    There is plenty of room at the top here, but there is no elevator in the building.

    Payday is always a month off for the spendthrift, and he is never able to realize more than sixty cents on any dollar that comes to him.

Wake Up It's Day One · 2018-05-21
insightful 4.00

The book offers timeless life lessons emphasizing character over appearances and the importance of small, meaningful actions in personal success.

The reviewer appreciates how the letters focus on improving character rather than intellectual ability, highlighting that true success involves more than surface appearances. They emphasize the value of kindness, generosity, and genuine human connection as the real markers of a good person and successful life. The advice to the son stresses that outward things like clothes or cars matter less than the small acts of goodness and respect one shows to others, making the reader reflect on what truly builds a reputable character. This perspective resonated personally with the reviewer, who was impacted by the idea that success is largely about how others perceive your goodness and integrity rather than material wealth or status. The book's lessons about being a good person and contributing positively to society stand out as its most profound messages.

Quick quotes

    Improving your character is more important than improving your IQ.

    Backup good looks by good character yourself, and make sure the other fellow does the same.

    What matters is the little things. Smile and laugh with others, give to others, contribute to society, help people, and just be a good person.

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