It’s true that some of the best lessons in life are ones that we know, but have just failed to put into practice on a consistent basis. P.T. Barnum was perhaps one of most profound marketers in American history. He understood the basics for success in business and ultimately in life. Although Barnum wrote his book, The Art of Money Getting, in 1880 the lessons he taught then are still relevant now. Here are a few of his tips:

• Persevere: “When a man is in the right path, he must persevere. I speak of this because there are some persons who are “born tired;” naturally lazy and possessing no self-reliance and no perseverance….Remember the proverb of Solomon: ‘He becometh poor that dealeth with a slack hand; but the hand of the diligent maketh rich.’”

• Avoid Debt: “People ought to be as sensible on the subject of money-getting as on any other subject. Like causes produces like effects. You cannot accumulate a fortune by taking the road that leads to poverty. It needs no prophet to tell us that those who live fully up to their means, without any thought of a reverse in this life, can never attain a pecuniary independence.”

• Whatever you do, do it with all your might:”Many a man acquires a fortune by doing his business thoroughly, while his neighbor remains poor for life, because he only half does it. Ambition, energy, industry, perseverance, are indispensable requisites for success in business.”

• Use the best tools: “Men in engaging employees should be careful to get the best. Understand, you cannot have too good tools to work with, and there is no tool you should be so particular about as living tools. If you get a good one, it is better to keep him, than keep changing.”

• Don’t mistake your vocation: “Unless a man enters upon the vocation intended for him by nature, and best suited to his peculiar genius, he cannot succeed.”

When reading these business lessons it becomes obvious that they are still relevant and still sound advice. In business, we must persevere, avoid debt, give it our all, hire and retain the best employees, and live our purpose.

You can get a complete copy of the The Art of Money Getting