--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: If thou need money, get it in an honest…" description: "\"If thou need money, get it in an honest way by keeping books, if thou wilt, but not by writing books.\" — John Lancaster Spalding" image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/132/john-lancaster-spalding-3115_book_if-thou-need-money-get-it-in-an-honest-w_750410.png" --- # If thou need money, get it in an honest way by keeping… ![“If thou need money, get it in an honest way by keeping books, if thou wilt, but not by writing books.” quote by John Lancaster Spalding](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/132/john-lancaster-spalding-3115_book_if-thou-need-money-get-it-in-an-honest-w_750410.png) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/132/john-lancaster-spalding-3115_book_if-thou-need-money-get-it-in-an-honest-w_750410.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/132/john-lancaster-spalding-3115_book_if-thou-need-money-get-it-in-an-honest-w_750410.png) > “If thou need money, get it in an honest way by keeping books, if thou wilt, but not by writing books.” [John Lancaster Spalding](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-lancaster-spalding/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Earn money honestly through diligent work rather than exploiting writing for profit. **In simple terms:** Earn money honestly, not by exploiting writing. Key Takeaway Choose honest work over shortcuts. Themes ethics work integrity Mood thoughtful pragmatic cautious Type advice ethical When to use this quote - career choice - financial planning - entrepreneurship Key Concepts honest earnings writing industry Questions to Reflect On - Is writing a viable honest income source? - How do you balance integrity with financial needs? A Different Perspective Writing can be a legitimate profession; the warning targets misuse. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Book](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/book/) [Books](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/books/) [Honest](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/honest/) [Money](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/money/) [Writing](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/writing/) [Writing a book](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/writing-a-book/) ## Related quotes > [I made my money in an honest way. And I have declared it all. By co-founding Infosys along with Mr. Murthy and others, I…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/nandan-nilekani/i-made-my-money-in-an-honest-way-and-i-have-declared-it-all-by-co/) [Nandan Nilekani](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/nandan-nilekani/) > [I am writing to apply for the position of bookkeeper. Attached, you will find my list of qualifications. 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