Samuel Smiles: Self Help and Thrift

Thesis: Motivation stemming from an internal rather than external source leads to economic and cultural growth.

I. Self-Help

A. "The spirit of self-help is the root of all genuine growth in the individual"

B. Help coming from an outside source is often counterproductive

c. The best thing institutions can do is leave men alone to improve their own condition

d. No law can change people's opinions, make them work harder or get better

e. The best charity one can give is an impetus to improve oneself

II. Thrift

A. A man "must spare from his means in order to be independent in his condition"

B. Industry allows men to earn a living

C. Men must deny themselves

D. Enemies to be countered- idleness, thoughtlessness, vanity, vice, and intemperance

E. The wealth of a nation is composed of the savings of individuals

F. A working man works both with his brain and his body

G. A true rich man looks both to the past and future as well as the present; those who do not are poor