For this purpose he must spare from his means in order to be independent in his condition.

Industry enables men to earn their living; it should also enable them to learn to live.
Independence can only be established by the exercise of forethought, prudence, frugality, and self-denial.

To be just as well as generous, men must deny themselves.

The essence of generosity is self-sacrifice.
The object of this book is to induce men to employ their means for worthy purposes, and not to waste them upon selfish indulgences.

Many enemies have to be encountered in accomplishing this object.