Text of the meditation
The spendthrift can never become rich, but, if they begin with riches, must soon become poor. The poor person who is to become rich must begin at the bottom, and must not wish, or try, to appear affluent by attempting something far beyond their means. There is always plenty of room and scope at the bottom, and it is a safe place from which to begin, as there is nothing below, and everything above.
Many a young businessperson comes at once to grief through swagger and display, which they foolishly imagine are necessary to success, but which, deceiving no one but themselves, lead quickly to ruin. A modest and true beginning, in any sphere, will better ensure success than an exaggerated advertisement of one's standing and importance.
The thrifty and prudent are on the way to riches.
James Allen (1864–1912), Book of Meditations for Every Day in the Year (1913) – public-domain text, gently modernised.
The original 1913 text is in the public domain.
