Subject
Social ethics -- Fiction Books
Best books
George Horace Lorimer
Letters from a Self-Made Merchant to His Son Being the Letters written by John Graham, Head of the House of Graham & Company, Pork-Packers in Chicago, familiarly known on 'Change as "Old Gorgon Graham," to his Son, Pierrepont, facetiously known to his intimates as "Piggy."
"Letters from a Self-Made Merchant to His Son" by George Horace Lorimer is a collection of letters written in the early 20th century. The correspondence is between John Graham, a successful merchant in the meatpacking industry, and his son, Pierrepont, who is attending Harvard University. Through these letters, Graham imparts wisdom on education, work ethic, and character development, reflecting on his own experiences as a self-made man. The letters provide both practical advice and personal anecdotes, illustrating the father-son dynamic and the transition between youth and adult responsibilities. At the start of the narrative, we see John Graham’s heartfelt yet humorous approach to educating his son. He encourages Pierrepont to embrace the opportunities for learning at Harvard while emphasizing that character is more important than mere academic success. Graham discusses various life lessons, touching on subjects like the importance of financial prudence, the realities of work, and the need for common sense in business. He stresses that an education should not just be about acquiring knowledge but also about learning how to apply that knowledge effectively in the real world. Throughout this initial portion, readers get a clear sense of Graham’s personality—pragmatic, candid, and ultimately invested in his son’s development into a capable adult.
George Horace Lorimer
Old Gorgon Graham More Letters from a Self-Made Merchant to His Son
"Old Gorgon Graham" by George Horace Lorimer is a collection of letters written in the early 20th century. The correspondence mainly features John Graham, a successful pork packer from Chicago, as he writes to his son, Pierrepont, who is taking his first steps in the family business. The letters cover lessons in business ethics, family dynamics, and personal development, often delivered with a blend of humor and wisdom. The opening of the book sets a lively tone as John Graham addresses Pierrepont, blending paternal advice with candid observations about business and life. Graham emphasizes the importance of hard work and earning one's place in the world, cautioning against nepotism and the pitfalls of relying too heavily on family connections. As he discusses various topics—from managing responsibilities at work to navigating personal relationships—Graham's colorful anecdotes and straightforward style reveal his character as both a mentor and an industrious father, laying the groundwork for a narrative deeply entangled with practical wisdom that resonates through the ages.
Recently surfaced classics