If any persons think some of the maxims too rigidly
economical, let them inquire how the largest fortunes among us have
been made. They will find thousands and millions have been accumulated
by a scrupulous attention to sums 'infinitely more minute than sixty
cents.'
In early childhood, you lay the foundation of poverty or riches, in
the habits you give your children. Teach them to save everything,--not
for their _own_ use, for that would make them selfish--but for _some_
use. Teach them to _share_ everything with their playmates; but never
allow them to _destroy_ anything.
I once visited a family where the most exact economy was observed; yet
nothing was mean or uncomfortable. It is the character of true economy
to be as comfortable and genteel with a little, as others can be with
much. In this family, when the father brought home a package, the
older children would, of their own accord, put away the paper and
twine neatly, instead of throwing them in the fire, or tearing
them to pieces. If the little ones wanted a piece of twine to play
scratch-cradle, or spin a top, there it was, in readiness; and when
they threw it upon the floor, the older children had no need to be
told to put it again in its place.
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