‘On the Education of a Man of Business’ Analysis

Reading Time: 3 minutes

 

 

The essay On the Education of a Man of Business was written by the nineteenth-century essayist Arthur Helps. Given below is a brief analysis of the essay. 

ARTHUR HELPS

• Born – 1813. Died – 1875
• Education – Eton and Trinity College, Cambridge.
• Influential writer of the Victorian period.
• Supporter of civil rights movements.
• Career – Famous British civil servant and writer; Clerk of the Privy Council from 1860-1875.
• Important works – Thoughts in the Cloister and the Crowd (1835), Friends in Council (1847-59), Companions of My Solitude (1851). The Spanish Conquest of America (1855-61), Realmah (1868), The Life of Columbus (1869).
• Major themes explored in writing are ethics, humanitarian issues, the abolition of slavery, and social reform.

ANALYSIS OF THE ESSAY – ON THE EDUCATION OF A MAN OF BUSINESS

• The essay appeared in Essays Written in the Intervals of Business (1841).
• It provides valuable insights into the qualities essential for success in the business world.
• The essay explores the logical, ethical, and practical aspects of a man’s education in business.
• Moral foundation: The most essential quality of a man of business is his moral foundation, especially his love of truth. He should learn to be truthful early in life to promote intellectual growth and reduce the chances of making errors.
• Forming principles: Principles are important for a businessman. He should develop principles that guide him through the complexities of the business world. The principles formed through studying various subjects will help him make correct business decisions.
• A successful business person must develop a sound temperament that balances hope and calmness. This will help him to deal with challenges without pressure and avoid unsociable behaviour.
• Ability to make decisions: Decision-making skills are crucial to business success. He should be trained to make quick as well as effective decisions. This cannot be developed solely through studies. He must get real-world experience to master this skill.
• A well-rounded education: An education that encompasses reasoning, critical thinking, and problem-solving is vital for developing a sharp mind suited for business.
• Studying Metaphysics and Philosophy: By studying metaphysics and philosophy, a person in business will develop a broader perspective, which will, in turn, help them handle everyday business more effectively.
• Studying Francis Bacon: Practical wisdom should be blended with imagination and philosophy. The best way to do so is to examine the works of Bacon, who is acclaimed as the father of English essays. His writings will help bridge the gap between what is taught in classrooms and what one encounters in real-life business engagements.
• A plan or method is crucial: A businessperson should be taught to practice methods/techniques to clearly and precisely organise and express what they know. A well-structured methodology to organise and present thoughts through fluency in writing is essential, as communicating effectively is crucial to all business dealings.
• Developing writing skills: A business person should be skilled in effective business writing. This includes clarity and precision, avoiding repetition and unnecessary superfluidities.
• Qualities of a consummate/complete man of business: The attributes of a successful man of business include courage, tolerance, creativity, a strong heart, responsibility, etc. He must remain calm in difficult situations, have strong principles, and possess a profound sense of responsibility to ensure diligence, accuracy, and discretion in his business activities.

 

 

WORKS CITED

Helps, Arthur. Essays Written in the Intervals of Business. London: William Pickering, 1841.

Helps, Arthur. Friends in Council: A Series of Readings and Discourse Thereon. London: William Pickering, 1847.