The Art of Living

"The Art of Living" by Robert Grant is a contemplative exploration of money management and lifestyle choices, probably from the late 1800s. It looks at issues of spending, societal expectations, and the strain of keeping up appearances in a time of increasing money and pressure. Grant contrasts characters like the frugal Mr. Rogers with those struggling to flaunt their wealth. The story starts with the narrator learning how to budget from Mr. Rogers, a bookkeeper, which starts him thinking about his own financial choices and happiness. A talk with the narrator's wife, Barbara, shows their difficulties in paying bills and living responsibly, especially when compared to Mr. Rogers's successful family life on less money. These early conversations set the scene for discussions about the true meaning of wise living.