Timeless Principles for Modern Challenges

As John Snyder makes clear in this book, the "game" of life is also simple, guided by some timeless principles, but the changing conditions of every generation make it difficult to build a good life. Here John shows how to apply the simple life principles articulated by J.L. Nichols in the late 19th century (in the book Safe Methods of Business written in 1886) to the challenges of crafting a meaningful life in today's turbulent world. This is a book about character, but it is not an abstract discourse on ethics or a recitation of religious ideals. Instead, it is a practical guide to making a life that is both meaningful and successful. It draws deeply on John's own life story-his upbringing, his many years at a family camp, his work with investment clients, his interactions with international visitors, and his relationships with others. From this reservoir of experience, he demonstrates the enduring importance of the Nichols' principles and derives thoughtful insights into how to apply them in contemporary life. We would all do well to take his well-grounded insights to heart as we navigate the challenges of life today.

This story begins in 1982, when John J. Snyder stumbled upon a 100-year-old book called Safe Methods of Business. He picked the book up at a garage sale in Washington, Pennsylvania. Taking care not to tear the fragile, worn pages, John quickly realized he had discovered a timeless classic containing powerful, wise, and thoughtful advice-some for its time, but most for any time, represented through the application of "Nineteen Principles." Clearly, the author had dedicated his life to thinking deeply about what constitutes a successful person and which principles and steps might be helpful or necessary to get there.

In this book, John shares with you wisdom he found that in some way, big or small, may change your life, or someone in your life. He has long been intrigued by the sound, universal counsel this book offers about life, especially how we live in relationship to money. This book is an effort to capture the impact of "Nineteen Principles" on John's life, principles found in the original Safe Methods of Business.