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Robert Dodsley’s “The Economy of Human Life” is one of the greatest books of freedom ever written. Being one of the founding documents of modern western culture, it is an amazing piece of literary history that deserves to be remembered.

First published in 1750, this now little known book of practical wisdom was once a massive bestseller in Great Britain and the American colonies, coming second only to the Bible during its incredible run. It was so popular in its day that it made other timeless classics from its era, such as Gulliver’s Travels, look like publishing failures. It is an astonishing fact that today almost nobody has ever heard of it.

But the lasting effect it had on the world is far more interesting that its historically massive popularity. In its 100 year heyday, the men and women who read “The Economy Of Human Life” created the world’s first Industrial Revolution, founded the United States of America, took the first steps towards political equality for Women, and were the first people in the history of the world to ban slavery. “The Economy Of Human Life” was a hugely influential and truly world-changing book, written during one of Humanity’s most pivotal eras.

The British Industrial Revolution is the foundation of the modern world we all enjoy today. “The Economy Of Human Life” is a very interesting book in this regard, as it was released in the mid-1800s, right before the Industrial Revolution began, and was enormously popular all the way through the era when the British commoners were becoming the first free citizens of our modern world. Was this a mere coincidence, or did “The Economy of Human Life,” with its timeless lessons on self-governance, play a major role in sparking one of Humanity’s greatest events, bringing about the rise of the peaceful and industrious middle class to political power in the west? I’ll let you decide for yourself.

“The Economy Of Human Life’s” 18th-century title today can be a little misleading, as Robert Dodsley’s masterpiece is much more than a book about the financial value of human beings. Written by an amazing poet, it is one of the most complete sets of moral values ever created, covering all the most important aspects of human life. Considering it was recommended reading by Thomas Jefferson, in the years before he wrote the United States Declaration of Independence, and combined with its immense popularity in pre-independence America, its existence provides us with a timeless window into the values and morals that helped found the greatest nation in the world today. Dodsley’s book is nothing short of a work of pure brilliance, which played a major role in shaping our modern way of life.

So how exactly did this world-changing book disappear completely from public memory? The answer to this question is that because of our ever-changing language this old classic has now become almost unreadable, with whole sentences appearing to say something completely different to what the author originally intended. It is for this reason I have created a modern revision, making this culturally important book as easy and fun to read today as it was for my forebears all those generations ago.

 

Get the PDF ebook for half price, $4.90, here:
https://payhip.com/b/tcgY

Or from Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07TB5YC35

 

To demonstrate why the revision was needed, here is an example of the original text:

Commune with thyself, O man! and consider wherefore thou wert made.

The newly revised text:

Think for yourself, and consider why you were made.

There are many such lines in the original book with their true meanings hidden within its archaic dialect. A copy of the 18th-century text is included after the revision, so you can see for yourself.

 

Here is a quote from each chapter of the revised edition.

Introduction
All things emanate from God. His power is infinite; his wisdom is from eternity; and his goodness lives on forever.

Part 1

Consideration
Observe your powers, observe your needs and your people’s; then you will discover the duties of life, and be guided in all your ways.

Humility
He turns his ear from his own praise, and believes it not; he is the last to discover his own perfections.

Focus
The hand of diligence conquers poverty; prosperity and success are the industrious man’s companions.

Competition
If your soul desires honour, if your ear gains any joy from the voice of praise, rise up from the dust you are made of, and raise your aim to something praiseworthy.

Foresight
The fool is not always unlucky, nor the wise man always successful; yet never has a fool enjoyed full satisfaction, never was a wise man entirely unhappy.

Fortitude
In the instant of danger, the courage of his heart strengthens him, and the readiness of his mind guides him out.

Contentment
…if you allow not the temptations of wealth to rob you of justice, or temperance, or charity, or modesty, even riches themselves will not make you unhappy.

Temperance
The closest you can go to happiness on this side of the grave, is to enjoy from heaven understanding and health.

Part 2

Hope and Fear
In all your desires, let reason go with you, and place not your hopes beyond the limits of probability.

Joy and Grief
This world offers no good so transporting, nor inflicts any evil so grave, that should raise you far above, or push you much below, the balance of self-control.

Anger
A calm answer to an angry man, like water thrown on a fire, cools his heat; and from an enemy, he can become your friend.

Pity
When the fatherless call on you, when the widow’s heart is sunk and she begs your assistance with tears of grief; pity her sorrow, and reach out a hand to those who have none to help them.

Desire and Love
Shut not yourself out from the warmth of love; the purity of its flame will uplift your heart, and soften it to receive the fairest impressions.

Part 3

Woman
Who is she that wins the heart of a man, who conquers him with love, and reigns in his soul?

Part 4

Husband
…. when you find a sensible heart joined with gentile manners; an accomplished mind, with an appearance that you fancy; take her home to your family; she deserves to be your friend, your partner in life, the companion of your soul.

Father
Watch the tendency of his desire, set him straight in his youth, and let no evil habits gain control with his years.

Son
Be grateful …. to your father, for he gave you life; and to your mother, for she sustains you.

Brothers
Let the bonds of friendship …. unite you with your brothers, so that peace and happiness may live in your father’s house.

Part 5

Wise and Nescient
…. the wise man improves his mind with knowledge; developing his skills is his joy, and their service to society crowns him with honour.

Rich and Poor
He considers the excess of his table as belonging to the poor of his neighbourhood, and he cheats them not of it.

Employers and Workers
The honour of a worker is his loyalty; his greatest virtues are meekness and cooperation.

Governors and Citizens
The glory of a king is the wellbeing of his people; his power and dominion rests on the hearts of his citizens.

Part 6

Benevolence
From the benevolence of his mind he imagines in his wisdom the happiness of all people; and from the generosity of his heart, he endeavours to promote it.

Justice
Keep the desires of your heart …., within the limits of moderation; let the hand of justice lead them right.

Charity
He creates peace and goodwill in his neighbourhood, and his name is repeated with praise and blessings.

Gratitude
…. if to return [a favour] be not in his power, he fosters the memory of it in his heart with goodwill; he forgets it not all the days of his life.

Sincerity
He lives far above the weakness of deceit: the words of his voice are the thoughts of his soul.

Part 7

Religion
…. in the laws [god] has set for the rule of your life, so kindly has he suited your duty to your nature that following his precepts brings happiness to yourself.

–

Now, for the first time, you can read a new revision of this 18th-century classic that has been lost to humanity for over 100 years. It has been carefully restored into modern English, so you can enjoy the timeless lessons from a book that once helped create our modern world.

 

Get the PDF ebook for half price, $4.90, here:
https://payhip.com/b/tcgY

Or from Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07TB5YC35

 

I am a completely independent, self-published author. If you would like to support me with my work please leave a comment and share this page with any like-minded individuals.

Thank You

Ed Penny