BUSINESS LIFE.

THE

EXPERIENCES OF A LONDON TRADESMAN

WITH

PRACTICAL ADVICE AND DIRECTIONS FOR AVOIDING MANY OF

THE EVILS CONNECTED WITH OUR PRESENT COMMERCIAL

SYSTEM AND STATE OF SOCIETY

SECOND EDITION

LONDON

HOULSTON AND WRIGHT

65, PATERNOSTER ROW

MDCCCLXI

CONTENTS.

ON DECISION OF CHARACTER.

Meaning of the term-The necessity of decision-The advantages it confers

-Maltese youth-Obstinacy not decision-Aids to its acquisition-

The absurdity of what persons call "luck"-How to decide when

reasons are nearly balanced-Necessity to know all the facts-Peter the

Great-Perseverance requisite, as also a firm persuasion of our own

ability-Illustration of an undecided man-When a resolution is formed

it should at once be acted upon-Cæsar-Confidence in our own judg-

ment absolutely necessary-Every opportunity for gaining information

to be eagerly embraced-Immediate decision and exertion-Pompey-

Instances of sterling decision-Howard, Luther, Ledyard, and others

PAGE 1

SELECTION OF A BUSINESS.

Importance of the subject-Duty of parents-Advantages of knowing a

business-Mistaken notions on the subject-A youth's inclinations

should be studied-Premiums

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ENTERING INTO BUSINESS.

A natural desire-Fallacy of present practice-Experience necessary-The

swindling infant-The carriage and four-An ungrateful return-A

sharp little customer

...

...

CONDUCTING YOUR BUSINESS.

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The motives which should be possessed-The great object to be kept in
view-Straightforwardness-Rule as to profits-Two prices-Impor-
tance of truth-Its advantages in the long run-The Essex professor-
Lying by proxy-Plain figures-Honesty the best policy-Duty to ser-
vants-Making a fortune-Orders and contracts to be in writing-
Illustrations-The diary-Its advantages-Order necessary-Checking
accounts and invoices-Finishing one thing at a time-Execution of
orders-Expenses and pleasures-Take no risk-Acquaintances-Painful
illustration of want of care-Taking advantage-Sociability-Stock-