How to Get Rich in American History

A rollicking collection of fascinating stories, folklore, and claims about money and personal finance throughout American history that shows both the vast changes in beliefs over time as well as the truths that remain timeless. From Benjamin Franklin to Dave Ramsey, a lot of what “everyone knows” about money has changed dramatically over the past 250 years. In fact, much of the advice we take for granted today has not always been true, and strategies that we think are new have been tried—and failed—more than once. In some eras, parents taught their children not to save, and for many years, it was common knowledge that stocks were for suckers. Still, other so-called antiquated notions are not as outdated as we think. In this lively and unique survey, historian Joseph S. Moore explores how Americans have viewed money and finances throughout the nation’s history, including the twists and turns, continuities and discontinuities. From looking at the changing landscape of retirement and the surprising origins of the FIRE movement to what the past can teach us about crypto, Moore shares the unexpected and often counter-intuitive lessons history has to teach us and reveals how the most lasting advice isn’t about investing or even spending. Throughout, Moore interweaves his personal economic history—a journey to prosperity that includes tales of wild investment ideas, get-rich-quick schemes, and financial gurus. Ultimately, Moore finds that despite public opinion, financial success has never been easier to achieve in American history than it is today. Concise and accessible, filled with eye-opening and surprising facts, How to Get Rich in American History is a thoughtful, factual, and encouraging read that sheds new light on the prospects of getting by and getting ahead in America.