There's a lot there that's interesting, but it's really a product of its time. It could, alternatively, have been titled "In Defense of Capitalism, the Protestant Work Ethic, and Christian Values".

Certainly, a lazy rich person won't go far, but he'll still live a better life than someone born in poverty who couldn't go to school. Especially now in the age of diplomas, degrees, certificates, and licenses.

The author touches on the idea that a man with right thoughts that is living in squalor is somehow better off than a rich man with wrong thoughts, but the way he couches his argument in economics felt out of touch with reality to me.

What I mean is that it is implied throughout the text that wealth somehow follows good behavior and that if you don't get wealthy then there's something wrong with you. I disagree with that. Gaining wealth is about more than effort. It's also about time, place, resources, and connections.

The basic idea is nice, though. Work hard, cultivate whatever skills you have, and make the best of your situation. That's really all any of us can do. And if we cultivated a proper attitude and outlook and were good to each other, life would be better.

I'll do a re-read and see if my opinion changes.