Horatio Alger Discussion

Introduction

Biographical notes

Alger’s views toward business

1) honesty in dealings

2) worker fidelity to employer

3) one price for all ... “fair price” or “just price”

4) avoid debt; pay cash

5) all customers entitled to respect

6) prosperous should be good stewards of wealth

Discussion

The Individual: the process of gaining respect

Dick Hunter; Johnny Nolan; Micky Maguire; Henry Fosdick;

Mark (Talbot)

economic activity only path to status?

did all gain equal respect? why?

Society

describe Alger’s “market” forces ...

note actions/values of individual in the market

self-interest only?

Other conflicts:

rural versus urban; Alger’s view toward manufacturing,

mining; banks

Institutions of social control:

Newsboys Lodging House; banks; police

Composite Alger society (summary)

contrast with individuals operating within industrial

world ... Whitney … McCormick ... Carnegie ... Ford ... DuPont ...