The promise of American capitalism is that it makes people richer, freer and more independent. But since the introduction of Fed, the currency in which Americans keep score has so addled the figures, we scarcely know if we are winning or losing. The dollar we knew as a child - in the 1950's - is only worth a tenth as much today.

If you look carefully, almost all Old Money secrets can be traced to a single source: a longer-term outlook.

The economic freedom that made the U.S. economy the leader of the world has given way toa rigged, controlled, and regulated economy.

If there is one thing that marks families with money in the long term it is this: delayed gratification.

Neither limits nor adversity are what ruin men. Under pressure, they handle themselves pretty well. It’s the lack of limits they can’t handle. That’s when they run amok. So, if you really want to see what a man is made of let him think he can get away with something.

That is the problem with age and wisdom—it merely shows you how helpless you are. The wiser you become, the more you learn to keep your mouth shut, until eventually the grave silences you forever.

Both the liberal and the conservative are in agreement: it is all very well to let the people alone, but only if they do what you want them to do.