P.T. Barnum's Golden Rules for Money Getting (better know as "The Art of Money Getting"), are as accurate today as when they were written. Some may Argue that as time passes by, the examples in the art of Money Getting become dated, but the lessons learned are still pointed and accurate. Phineas Taylor Barnum, (P.T. for short) lived between 1810-1891 and was a visionary in his day. P.T. Barnum is of course most famous for the circus that still bears his name 120 years after his death. It amazes me how prudent Barnum's wisdom is especially in today's tough economic times. He clearly displays a strong fear of debt in The Art of Money Getting that would have, and will still serve many Americans (or anyone else for that matter) extremely well. Had more of us learned from past wisdom would the same mistakes get repeated so regularly? As I read The Art of Money Getting by P.T. Barnum, I'm absolutely shocked to see him foreshadowing ideas of current economic theories, but doing so in metaphors that make it simple for anyone to understand and remember. Reading a paragraph that starts "A few years ago, before kerosene oil was discovered" ... lesson's of "penny wise and pound foolish" is still one that needs teaching day in and day out in every home. "A penny here, and a dollar there, placed at interest, goes on accumulating, and in this way the desired result is attained. It requires some training, perhaps, to accomplish this economy, but when once used to it, you will find there is more satisfaction in rational saving than in irrational spending." If all you get form the reading of this classic is the above lesson then you've gotten 100 times what you've paid. Enjoy the timeless wisdom contained herein and happy reading.