
A quiet conversation between a seasoned merchant and his confidant opens this thoughtful work, using the tale of a humble tailor who repays an old debt without interest. Their exchange reveals how a single act of mercy can reshape the balance between profit and principle, prompting listeners to reconsider the true cost of lending.
Through clear, relatable dialogue, the book examines the ripple effects of interest on struggling borrowers and the broader moral responsibilities of creditors. It offers practical reflections on honesty, generosity, and the subtle ways small decisions can either lift a person out of hardship or deepen their despair.
Listeners will find a timeless collection of insights that speak to anyone navigating personal finances, business ethics, or everyday kindness, encouraging a wiser, more compassionate approach to the choices that shape our lives.
Language
en
Duration
~4 hours (265K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Credits
Produced by Charles Aldarondo. HTML version by Al Haines.
Release date
2003-11-01
Rights
Public domain in the USA.
Subjects

1809–1885
Best known for the temperance novel Ten Nights in a Bar-Room and What I Saw There, this hugely popular 19th-century American writer built his career on vivid moral tales drawn from everyday life. His stories were written for a broad audience and often aimed to spark sympathy, reform, and conversation.
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