It was a book written and updated annually by Benjamin Franklin extolling the practical virtues of prudence, saving, hard work, humility, and so on and so forth

It was a book written and updated annually by Benjamin Franklin extolling the practical virtues of prudence, saving, hard work, humility, and so on and so forth. You can read a rambling summary of his views in this essay 'The Way to Wealth': http://itech.fgcu.edu/faculty/wohlpart/alra/franklin.htm http://itech.fgcu.edu/faculty/wohlpart/alra/franklin.htm >If you would be wealthy, says he, in another almanac, think of saving as well as of getting: the Indies have not made Spain rich, because her outgoes are greater than her incomes. Away then with your expensive follies, and you will not have so much cause to complain of hard times, heavy taxes, and chargeable families... and... >Great estates may venture more, >But little boats should keep near shore. Ben Franklin is known as one of the 'founding fathers' of the United States. He's remembered as an inventor, natural philosopher, publishing magnate, political propagandist, capable diplomat (to France), and orator.