Barnum strongly believes that effective advertising draws attention and creates interest. He argues that a business should not wait for customers to find them. Instead, it must actively reach out to the public. When done correctly and consistently, advertising builds a brand's reputation and attracts a steady flow of customers.
He also explains that good advertising should be honest and creative. Misleading ads might bring short-term attention, but they eventually damage trust. Barnum insists that integrity must be preserved. A trustworthy business gains loyal customers who help it grow over time. Therefore, advertising should match the true quality of what is being offered.
Barnum also highlights the importance of being charitable. He encourages business owners to give back to their communities. Generosity creates goodwill, and people tend to support businesses that contribute positively to society. Charity not only improves a company’s image but also reflects strong values.
Another important point he makes is: Don’t blab. Barnum advises business people to avoid careless talk, especially about their plans or finances. Talking too much, especially to the wrong people, can lead to lost opportunities, stolen ideas, or damaged reputations. Being discreet shows professionalism and wisdom.
Integrity is at the heart of Barnum’s message. He believes that long-term success is built on a foundation of honesty, fairness, and reliability. A good reputation is more valuable than any temporary gain. If a business loses its integrity, it loses the public’s trust, and without trust, there can be no lasting success.
To summarize, Barnum teaches that success comes from promoting your business with energy and honesty, staying generous and humble, speaking wisely, and always maintaining your character. A business that advertises well, treats people right, and stays true to its values will grow and thrive over time.
Understanding
1. Why should one be polite and kind to their customers?
One should be polite and kind to customers because it makes them feel respected and valued. When customers are treated well, they are more likely to return, trust the business, and tell others about it. Good manners create a positive experience, which helps the business grow and succeed.
2. Why should not the insulting man be whipped?
An insulting man should not be whipped because violence does not teach good behaviour. Instead of helping him improve, it may make him more angry and bitter. Kindness, patience, and a good example are better ways to correct someone and help them change.
3. How can charity be a duty and a pleasure?
Charity can be a duty because it is our responsibility to help those in need. It is also a pleasure because giving to others brings happiness, peace, and a sense of purpose. Helping others not only supports them but also makes us feel good inside.
4. Why is promiscuous almsgiving bad?
Promiscuous almsgiving is bad because it means giving money to anyone without knowing their real needs. This can encourage laziness, dishonesty, or waste. It is better to give wisely, so the help truly supports those who need it most and in the right way.
5. What is the meaning of "Never write a letter nor destroy one" (12)?
The phrase "Never write a letter nor destroy one" means that one should be very careful about writing letters, especially on sensitive matters, because once written, they can be used against you. At the same time, keeping letters, especially important or valuable ones, can also be useful later as proof or a record. So, the saying advises caution:
It’s a reminder to think before writing and to value written records.
6. What does the writer mean by "there are many rich poor men" (14)?
By saying "there are many rich poor men," the writer means that some people may not have much money, but they are rich in other ways, like honesty, kindness, wisdom, or strong character. True wealth is not just about money, but about the values and qualities a person has.
7. What's the value of having money?
The value of having money is that it gives us the ability to meet our needs, support our family, and live comfortably. It also allows us to help others, enjoy opportunities, and have security in difficult times. Money is a useful tool, but its true value depends on how wisely and kindly we use it.
8. What does the author mean by "the hoarded dust" (16)?
By "the hoarded dust," the author refers to money or wealth that is kept locked away and not used. It suggests that hoarding money without sharing or using it for good purposes is meaningless, like dust that just collects and serves no real purpose.
Rhetoric/Language/Writing
1. Maxims are brief, memorable statements of principle or rules of conduct. Barnum uses many traditional maxims and new sentences written to sound like traditional maxims. Find out each sentence or phrase that is a traditional maxim, and also other sentences and phrases that sound like traditional maxims. What is the effect of such maxim-like statements on the readers?
In Phineas Taylor Barnum's writings, maxims serve as effective tools to communicate key principles or rules of conduct in a memorable way. Below are examples of both traditional maxims and maxim-like sentences in his text, along with their impact on the reader.
- Honesty is the best policy.
- A penny saved is a penny earned.
- Don’t count your chickens before they hatch.
Maxim-like Sentences:
- Never write a letter nor destroy one.
This statement sounds like a principle based on tactfulness, suggesting that one should be cautious in what is written or discarded. It's wise advice that makes readers reflect on their actions carefully.
- There are many rich poor men.
This phrase sounds like a maxim because it gives an insightful perspective on wealth beyond money, highlighting that true richness can come from qualities other than material wealth.
- Charity is a duty and a pleasure.
This sentence suggests that charity should be both an obligation and a source of joy, presenting a balanced view on the act of giving.
- Preserve your integrity.
This is a short but impactful maxim-like statement urging the importance of maintaining one's character and honesty.
- Don’t blab.
A brief and memorable phrase advising discretion, especially when it comes to personal or business matters.
Maxim-like statements have a powerful effect on readers because they:
- Condense complex ideas into simple, digestible pieces of advice that are easy to remember.
- Encourage reflection by presenting universally accepted principles in a way that resonates with the reader’s values.
- Create a sense of authority and wisdom, as maxims often sound timeless and are based on longstanding cultural beliefs.
- Instil practical lessons that can be applied to everyday life, making the message feel personal and relevant.
- Promote action by offering clear guidance in a concise form, which is easy to follow and act upon.
These statements contribute to Barnum’s persuasive and memorable writing style, helping to reinforce his ideas and principles in the minds of his readers.
2. Analyze the way Barnum blends moral advice ("be honest") and business advice ("don't blab"). Examine how he blends the two and uses each type.
Barnum blends moral advice and business advice to show that good character and smart business go hand in hand. He believes that to succeed in business, one must also be a good person. Moral advice like "Be honest," for example, teaches that truth builds trust, which is the foundation of any lasting business. Similarly, Business advice like "Don’t blab" warns against careless talk that could harm your business plans.
He often connects the two. When he says "Preserve your integrity," he means both in life and in business. When he talks about charity, it's not just kindness, but also a way to earn respect and goodwill, which helps business.
By blending both types of advice, Barnum shows that success comes from being wise, honest, and thoughtful, not just clever in business. This makes his message strong, practical, and inspiring.
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4. In addition to maxims, what other technique does Barnum use to make his advice appealing and memorable?
In addition to maxims, Barnum uses stories and examples to make his advice appealing and memorable. He shares real-life situations and practical lessons, which help readers understand and relate to his message. These stories make his advice feel useful, interesting, and easy to remember.
Discussion
1. What type of person would emerge from following Barnum's prescriptions?
A person who follows Barnum's advice would be honest, hardworking, wise with money, respectful to others, and careful in speech. They would also be kind, charitable, and trustworthy, building a good reputation and a successful life through both character and smart actions.
2. Which parts of Barnum's advice make sense to you, and which seem wrong or inappropriate? Why?
Barnum’s advice that makes sense includes being honest, kind, and careful with money. These values help build trust, success, and a good life. His idea of giving to others and preserving integrity is also meaningful and important.
However, the advice “Never write a letter nor destroy one” may seem too cautious today. In modern times, clear communication is important, and keeping every letter may not always be safe or useful. After all, most of his advice is wise, but some parts may not fit well with today’s fast and open way of living.
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