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The Wealthy Gardener: Lessons on Prosperity Between Father and Son
A heartwarming series of stories and practical wisdom on entrepreneurship and wealth in the vein of Rich Dad, Poor Dad, written by a financially independent father for his ambitious son.Soon after he opened his vineyard for business many years ago, the Wealthy Gardener noticed a puzzling fact. Everyone wanted money, but only a few people managed to accumulate it. The reason, he realized, is that most people focus on short term gains instead of achieving lasting wealth.As he grew old and aware of his dwindling time on this Earth, the Wealthy Gardener began to share his hard-earned wisdom with the financially troubled in his community, patiently mentoring those who asked for his practical advice on the ways of prosperity.The parable of the Wealthy Gardener is far more than an admonishment to earn more or spend less; it is about timeless principles. As his lessons reveal, financial freedom is a means to power and control over our lives. Without money, we are subject to the demands and whims of others. With money, we are sheltered from the storm, and we can extend that shelter to our loved ones.Poised to become an intimate financial classic, The Wealthy Gardener will inspire readers to find their own noble purpose and relieve their money worries once and for all. No matter your income level, skillset, or unique economic disadvantages, the lessons in this book will show you the path forward. All you need is the will to work, the desire to succeed, and the motivation to learn.
432 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 22, 2018
818 people are currently reading
2480 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 158 reviews
June 29, 2023
If you've never read any personal wealth self-help, then this could be a somewhat useful introduction, with some classic quotes and simple definitions. Overall though, this was a mash-up that didn't work. For any of the genres it's trying to be--wisdom parable, basic money advice, etc.-- there are much better options out there. The Gardener is just not a believable character in all sorts of ways, but what matters most here is how a lot of what he says about prosperity is obvious BS.
One of his big themes is that anyone who's wealthy got that way by doing the things he's talking about and that everyone's income is a reflection of the value they contribute to society. In a book that's leaning heavily on religion/morality/mysticism/philosophy, one would think that "value" would go beyond dollars and include things like whether you're killing people to get rich, but let's leave that aside. It's in the news almost every day that plenty of people are getting rich by inheritance, extracting value from the companies they're supposed to be managing, bribing, cheating, getting corporate welfare subsidies, etc. etc. etc. His anecdote with the insurance company, as he tells it, is just one example of people making money by destroying value. I'm not advocating bad behavior (and neither is the Gardener) but denying the context of reality amounts to giving bad advice to young people trying to make their way in the world. Horatio Alger stories are the exception--not the rule. Propagating fantasies is not likely a good way to propel more people to prosperity.
Also, the awkward usage of "due to" about 100 times was annoying.
Related suggestions:
The Alchemist
The Millionaire Next Door: The Surprising Secrets of America's Wealthy
23 Things They Don't Tell You about Capitalism
One of his big themes is that anyone who's wealthy got that way by doing the things he's talking about and that everyone's income is a reflection of the value they contribute to society. In a book that's leaning heavily on religion/morality/mysticism/philosophy, one would think that "value" would go beyond dollars and include things like whether you're killing people to get rich, but let's leave that aside. It's in the news almost every day that plenty of people are getting rich by inheritance, extracting value from the companies they're supposed to be managing, bribing, cheating, getting corporate welfare subsidies, etc. etc. etc. His anecdote with the insurance company, as he tells it, is just one example of people making money by destroying value. I'm not advocating bad behavior (and neither is the Gardener) but denying the context of reality amounts to giving bad advice to young people trying to make their way in the world. Horatio Alger stories are the exception--not the rule. Propagating fantasies is not likely a good way to propel more people to prosperity.
Also, the awkward usage of "due to" about 100 times was annoying.
Related suggestions:
The Alchemist
The Millionaire Next Door: The Surprising Secrets of America's Wealthy
23 Things They Don't Tell You about Capitalism
January 3, 2019
‘We come from the earth, we return to the earth, and in between we garden.’ Anonymous
Pennsylvania author John Soforic offers one of the most heartfelt and practical guides to gaining wealth as a gift to his son. John’s current wealth was not inherited or the result of a grand fluke but instead the result of earning an ordinary income while starting and managing several small businesses. ‘These businesses were average, rural, common, and regular operations with steady cash flows. It was an uphill battle of earning and learning. By age 50, however, I had one thing that everyone wants at my age: total financial freedom.’
John writes beautifully and openly and with love for both his son and his readers. From the opening Preface he informs us where the book will take us: ‘The Wealthy Gardener is a hybrid. It is half fiction, half nonfiction. Chapters are divided into life lessons, each opening with a fictional story followed by real-life anecdotes. Why this format? As a father I wanted to engage my son in many lessons on wealth, but I didn’t want to preach at him. A better way to do it then was by creating a parable. Like reading a biography for pleasure and insight, learning through stories can be more enjoyable and profound. While this approach comes at the risk of oversimplifying principles, it is a risk chosen for the greater good of clarity. The hybrid format remains the best way to entertain, engage, and explain the lessons of prosperity.’
In this well considered series of life lessons from ‘the Wealthy Gardener’ persona followed by John’s own experiences as they relate to the topic presented, John reveals his sensitivity – ‘Prosperity is the power to take a walk in the woods on a weekday, pay for college tuitions, and live with choices, options and power. It is awakening without money worries. It is living without the pressure of time. It is the ability to experience one’s daily hours in meaningful pursuits. And it required me to grow spiritually in the struggle. Be wary of those who tell you to be content with your conditions in life. Only you can know the conditions that will satisfy your soul. And only you can feel the pull of your ambition.’
Always accessible and endearing as well as supportive and educational, John guides us through The Work of Earning Prosperity, Mental Practices for Wealth, The Way to Riches and Spirituality, Your 55 Powers to Gain Wealth, The 10 Seeds of Wealth, The 15 Virtues of Wealth, and Troubleshooting Money Problems. As advice to a son it is an indispensible treatise; as a guide for each of us to find prosperity and happiness it is extraordinary. Reading this book is like opening a window onto light form darkness. Highly recommended for everyone.
Grady Harp
Pennsylvania author John Soforic offers one of the most heartfelt and practical guides to gaining wealth as a gift to his son. John’s current wealth was not inherited or the result of a grand fluke but instead the result of earning an ordinary income while starting and managing several small businesses. ‘These businesses were average, rural, common, and regular operations with steady cash flows. It was an uphill battle of earning and learning. By age 50, however, I had one thing that everyone wants at my age: total financial freedom.’
John writes beautifully and openly and with love for both his son and his readers. From the opening Preface he informs us where the book will take us: ‘The Wealthy Gardener is a hybrid. It is half fiction, half nonfiction. Chapters are divided into life lessons, each opening with a fictional story followed by real-life anecdotes. Why this format? As a father I wanted to engage my son in many lessons on wealth, but I didn’t want to preach at him. A better way to do it then was by creating a parable. Like reading a biography for pleasure and insight, learning through stories can be more enjoyable and profound. While this approach comes at the risk of oversimplifying principles, it is a risk chosen for the greater good of clarity. The hybrid format remains the best way to entertain, engage, and explain the lessons of prosperity.’
In this well considered series of life lessons from ‘the Wealthy Gardener’ persona followed by John’s own experiences as they relate to the topic presented, John reveals his sensitivity – ‘Prosperity is the power to take a walk in the woods on a weekday, pay for college tuitions, and live with choices, options and power. It is awakening without money worries. It is living without the pressure of time. It is the ability to experience one’s daily hours in meaningful pursuits. And it required me to grow spiritually in the struggle. Be wary of those who tell you to be content with your conditions in life. Only you can know the conditions that will satisfy your soul. And only you can feel the pull of your ambition.’
Always accessible and endearing as well as supportive and educational, John guides us through The Work of Earning Prosperity, Mental Practices for Wealth, The Way to Riches and Spirituality, Your 55 Powers to Gain Wealth, The 10 Seeds of Wealth, The 15 Virtues of Wealth, and Troubleshooting Money Problems. As advice to a son it is an indispensible treatise; as a guide for each of us to find prosperity and happiness it is extraordinary. Reading this book is like opening a window onto light form darkness. Highly recommended for everyone.
Grady Harp
November 6, 2024
I found this book challenging at first. The idea of accumulating wealth felt icky. That said I grew to enjoy the lessons that we don't get taught in school but seem the most important. Think basic finance, the importance of goals and sticking to them, thinking long term, giving back, pursuing passions and monetizing them etc. The basic idea is that being wealthy gives you freedom to choose what you do but also to help create a better world.There are a heap of cool lessons in this book. It's formatted as a mentor giving direction to a young man who wants to turn his life around. Very fatherly. Would recommend to my 3 goodreads followers.
April 25, 2020
One of the best books on wealth
This is one of the best books I’ve read on wealth—and on living a complete and fulfilling life. Very impressive.
This is one of the best books I’ve read on wealth—and on living a complete and fulfilling life. Very impressive.
September 3, 2019
Frustratingly long, but some good lessons
Overall, I felt it was worth reading.
The premise is reasonable: a seemingly successful and financially independent man is looking to pass his life lessons onto his son, so that his son will enjoy life in the same way the father did.
What then follows are many, many...many, many life principles. Some of them are quite insightful, but many of them are simply characteristics that I don’t feel were particularly unique or insightful. Yes, it is good to be frugal, and yes, it is good to be humble, and yes, it is good to be focused. So if a person were to list all 55 components of a good human (yes, one section is quite literally 55 different life principles), and then that person would becomes those 55 things....my guess is success would follow.
But are these particularly unique? No, not really.
Perhaps what was unique was the format, which made the 400+ pages easier to get through. The narrator has various (I assume fictitious) characters enter the story, and uses their mistakes, or questions, or goals as the fodder for the lesson. The author then adds some quotes by famous people on the topic, and then finishes with a summary. So, in that sense, it was a fairly effective means of communicating.
So, all in, I am glad I read the book...but it does make me wonder if someone needs many hundreds of pages and many dozens of principles, if they perhaps should re-think their definition of principles?
Overall, I felt it was worth reading.
The premise is reasonable: a seemingly successful and financially independent man is looking to pass his life lessons onto his son, so that his son will enjoy life in the same way the father did.
What then follows are many, many...many, many life principles. Some of them are quite insightful, but many of them are simply characteristics that I don’t feel were particularly unique or insightful. Yes, it is good to be frugal, and yes, it is good to be humble, and yes, it is good to be focused. So if a person were to list all 55 components of a good human (yes, one section is quite literally 55 different life principles), and then that person would becomes those 55 things....my guess is success would follow.
But are these particularly unique? No, not really.
Perhaps what was unique was the format, which made the 400+ pages easier to get through. The narrator has various (I assume fictitious) characters enter the story, and uses their mistakes, or questions, or goals as the fodder for the lesson. The author then adds some quotes by famous people on the topic, and then finishes with a summary. So, in that sense, it was a fairly effective means of communicating.
So, all in, I am glad I read the book...but it does make me wonder if someone needs many hundreds of pages and many dozens of principles, if they perhaps should re-think their definition of principles?
August 26, 2022
I've found it far less practical than Kiyosaki's "Rich Dad Poor Dad". The focus here is mindset and "philosophy" of individual prosperity and personal finance management and understanding how it works. What attracted me to this book was the subtitle - I've kind of expected RDPD's version I could start sharing with my daughter. TBH I won't work - the language is clear and understandable, but not for 10-ish years old.
What else? The book is divided into tiny, chunk-size chapters, but they feel repetitive, and I didn't have a feeling of a logical journey that feels somewhere: if the author had ended the book in half, I don't think I would notice that something was missing. On the other hand - if he had put a chapter there twice, I probably wouldn't notice either.
If you need some inspiration to start working (for real) on your individual prosperity - this book may provide it. But don't expect it to be a guide.
What else? The book is divided into tiny, chunk-size chapters, but they feel repetitive, and I didn't have a feeling of a logical journey that feels somewhere: if the author had ended the book in half, I don't think I would notice that something was missing. On the other hand - if he had put a chapter there twice, I probably wouldn't notice either.
If you need some inspiration to start working (for real) on your individual prosperity - this book may provide it. But don't expect it to be a guide.
January 29, 2020
A greatly written book I must say, there is a nice story, a lot of life lessons on prosperity. The book is easy to read and engaging and these life lessons can be used by anyone.
The only BIG downside of this book is the author's point of view which is a bit extreme and is focused ONLY on wealth and hard work while sacrificing all other parts of life (friends, relationships, happiness...) It is only about attaining wealth. It would be a pure 5* book if only it had a more balanced view on attaining wealth which accounts for friends, family, enjoying life a bit during that journey. :-)
The only BIG downside of this book is the author's point of view which is a bit extreme and is focused ONLY on wealth and hard work while sacrificing all other parts of life (friends, relationships, happiness...) It is only about attaining wealth. It would be a pure 5* book if only it had a more balanced view on attaining wealth which accounts for friends, family, enjoying life a bit during that journey. :-)
February 28, 2019
I wanted to read this book because I garden; and, who doesn't want to be wealthy! However, this book was more than I could ever have imagined!
From front to back it was a combination of life lessons, storytelling, and heartfelt reality. This is a book to keep and refer back to whenever life throws a curve ball. It even has indexes in the back for quick reference.
I am glad that this author chose to share it with everyone, and not just his son.
Cheryl
From front to back it was a combination of life lessons, storytelling, and heartfelt reality. This is a book to keep and refer back to whenever life throws a curve ball. It even has indexes in the back for quick reference.
I am glad that this author chose to share it with everyone, and not just his son.
Cheryl
June 2, 2022
I loved this book! I’m a sucker for personal finance books , but this was so much more than that. This book highlighted the mindset needed behind gaining wealth. It also touched on spirituality and purpose behind everything we do in our lives. I will definitely be keeping this on my bookshelf to reference.
My main complaint about the book was that it was very strictly male focused. It was a book written by a father to his son( which should’ve clued me in by the cover page alone) however I still would’ve liked for the book to contain more examples and quotes from strong female entrepreneurs.
My main complaint about the book was that it was very strictly male focused. It was a book written by a father to his son( which should’ve clued me in by the cover page alone) however I still would’ve liked for the book to contain more examples and quotes from strong female entrepreneurs.
March 3, 2019
Soforic did a wonderful product
If you enjoy philosophy, finances, learning and mentoring others, I highly recommend The Wealthy Gardner.
Soforic's use of metaphors is poetic and his presentation style was unique and thoughtful. Highly refined simple analogies to share with others. Greatly appreciated his parental guidance and will no doubt provide his work to my young adult children. I hope they are as rewarded as Jimmy was by The Wealthy Gardner's wisdom.
Well done Soforic, well done indeed.
If you enjoy philosophy, finances, learning and mentoring others, I highly recommend The Wealthy Gardner.
Soforic's use of metaphors is poetic and his presentation style was unique and thoughtful. Highly refined simple analogies to share with others. Greatly appreciated his parental guidance and will no doubt provide his work to my young adult children. I hope they are as rewarded as Jimmy was by The Wealthy Gardner's wisdom.
Well done Soforic, well done indeed.
July 23, 2022
I really enjoyed the audiobook version of this from my library. I’m a gardener as my day job and looking to start my own business in the near future, so garden metaphors are always something that resonate deeply with me. I listened to this while I worked and it really inspired me. I purchased his small book of quotes because I found myself wanting to write them all down but couldn’t. I think I’ll have to revisit a paperback version of this at some point in the future because there were a lot of great questions and prompts that I’d like to reflect and journal on. I’m just about to sign up to his email list at wealthygardener.com so I can carry this wisdom forward into my future planning.
Thanks for this generous sharing of your accumulated knowledge and experience.
Thanks for this generous sharing of your accumulated knowledge and experience.
Read
May 5, 2022This book is found on many lists of personal favorite books so I checked it out. It’s advice from a father to his son about finances and success in life often told in a sort of parable form.
I’m not going to rate it because I am not the target audience being a woman already close to official retirement age.
I’m not going to rate it because I am not the target audience being a woman already close to official retirement age.
September 8, 2020
This book will challenge you to the point it pisses you off for a few days until your pity party is over and you get going and get over yourself.
My 👂 heard ⤵️
total financial freedom
prosperity is financial comfort... life without money worries
many things are indeed more important than money but overcoming the money problem allows us to focus on these important things without money and time we yield little power over life
is the price of success worth the rewards?
the lack of money leads to fear restlessness and chronic despair
a work-life balance is not so wonderful you spend your spare time in an uneasy state of financial anxiety
we never know the value of money until we know the fear of its absence
money like Oxygen is not too important until there is not enough of it
I was trapped in the middle class struggle for decades
only you can know the conditions that will satisfy your soul
only you can feel the pull of your ambition
don't judge each day by the harvest you reap but by the seeds you plant
don't you get it? there is never a certainty of future rewards, but we go for it anyway, or we keep what we've got
I was a lamb at the slaughterhouse
if you waste your hours you waste your potential
I was powerless due to lack of daily purpose
You merely existed in your time
you avoided work and strain at all costs
you have proven yourself worthy of little more than eating and sitting
you spent beyond your means
your want and lifestyle trapped you into wage slavery
since you have proven yourself worthy of life without thought
you used your time with care
control your spending
the value of life lies not in the length of days but in the use we make of them
a man may live long but get very little
our outcomes reflect our hours
have i exhausted my pitch ?
I will consult with my advisors and get back with you
doing the right thing is more important doing the thing right
I found that the misery of losing money was related to the years of labor required to earn it
the point to digest
The garden of my life is flourishing due too many small consistent actions
double your income by engaging in impact activities
concentrate daily to picture your wishes fulfilled
only a few actions earn intangible rewards
all the flowers of Tomorrow are in the seeds of today
the advice in this book is as indispensable as living people
clear thinking is a learned skill
treacherous deceiver
the world is a judge that weighs results not efforts
we make time or we keep what we've got
we are wise to notice
we are all too busy to add to our schedules but we either change what we're doing or we keep what we've got
all dreams are paid for with the cost of our time
most dreams die from lack of daily hours
any work beats the humiliation of being broke and dependent
in your eyes you see yourself inferior to others
in our duty we fimd our dignity
when the roots are deep there is no reason to fear the wind
we saw more trees and less concrete
we pay the price of an extraordinary life are we paying the regrets of an average life
an extraordinary life requires the sacrifice of our leisure hours but an ordinary life requires the sacrifice of our cherished dreams
God gives every bird his daily food but doesn't throw it into the nest
i earn my wealth through the service of others
a battle-ready attitude
do not pray for easy lives pray to be stronger men
the wish for an easy life invites delusion and unhappiness
what does success look like at the end of this week?
do not pray for tasks equal to your power pray for power equal to your tasks
a life without challenge is a life without worthy contribution
a battle-ready mindset is critical to win the day
heartbreaking worry
if you want to see the sunshine you have to weather the storm
a man of words and not of deeds is like a garden full of Weeds
i can't imagine his tortured regrets
we must not allow our dreams to turn into our regrets
when we ignore our inner wisdom we will regret it
I'm ignoring the silent whisper of discontentment
having reached the mountaintop after climbing for so long I was surprised to find little euphoria in fact I felt only a sense of relief
I had it all but I was not elated
the project seemed to have a growing purpose for me
a garden is where you can find a whole spectrum of life birth and death
the first 30 years are for the learning of money the next thirty years are for the earning of money and the final 30 years if done correctly are for the burning of money
you figured out how to survive but you have yet to figure out how to accumulate money
compensation is something we get for something we give
your rewards in this life will be in exact proportion to your human services
with no pressure we get no diamonds
where's the fulfillment for this line of work?? it's in the bank!
I watched this family with adoration
any idiot can face a crisis it's this day to day living that wears you out
a professional is someone who can do his best when he doesn't feel like it
the best fertilizer is the gardeners shadow
we must always always beat the voice of defeat that whispers In our heads
without hope the will to start is absent and without self trust the will to endure is lost
I will accept nothing less than riches properly earned
it is not what you are that holds you back it's what you think you are not
it is not the mountain we conquer but ourselves
Trammell Crow Hyatt developer in Dallas
there must always be a burn in your heart to achievehe
a task begone is nearly done is nearly half done
in your life's confidence is too vital to be left to chance
I always thought I'd sink so I never swam
the job has an unacceptable income ceiling
Trammell Crow and harry Helmsley biography real estate
everyone is a genius but if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid
the difference between ambition and a wish is sacrifice
everyone has a destiny that needs to be actualized
we can ignore a lot of things but we can't ignore our ambition we're born with it and we're stuck with it when we deny our desires ambition becomes agitation... it's best to go with it
intelligence without ambition is like a Bird without wings
I'm unable to endure mediocrity
I nodded without comment
I want to try my hand at a venture
sometimes the heart sees what is invisible to the eye
ambition without cau
i got to get a bigger digit
if we quiet down the mind begin to hear what we are not paying attention to
the mighty oak was once a little nut that stood its ground
ambition without caution is a bus without brakes but ambition without courage is a bus without keys
wealth favors the individual with courage and caution in the right measure
I get close to acting on my dream but it just won't do it
now you can't fall back on that worn-out excuse
he just can't ever take the first step, he dwells and what he might lose and ignores the fact that he's not happy where he is
isn't it common we fear the consequences of action but ignore the costs of inaction
in real estate it has been said we don't go broke from a bad deal that gets away we only go broke from the bad deals we do get
gardening is a way of showing that you believe in tomorrow
when someone asks you how's it going respond better than good and better than most
unrealistic is just an opinion
he's a man of solid action
I learned to focus on why I was doing the work and not on the burden of it
I developed my fortitude
the key to endure demanding work is to focus on meaning
life is just an employer he gives you what you ask for once you set the wages why you must bear the task
starters are common but finishers are rare
it's fun to dream but achievmenr is built on hours
wealth follows draining journeys
friends are the flowers in the garden of Life
a band of Brothers becomes one another since we rarely outperform our inner circle
guarding your mind against the negative influence of others as a skill you acquire to become wealthy
day after day he spends his time in crippling worry
they're done striving in their lives
problem isn't that you're lazy it's that you're coasting
true friends help you become all that you can be
and they delight in your growth
you have no savings and no financial traction
he'saimless about goals
the cost of complacency is lost opportunity our indecision erases many future opportunities
it is in our moments of decision that our destiny is shaped
full effort is full victory
it Is by spending oneself that we become rich
I found that my best effort assured satisfaction snd anything less left me vulnerable to regrets
we leave our wealth to Chance by not setting financial goals
goals are to be trusted not questioned
goals offer criteria to your many decisions
goals cause coincidences to show up according to your faith
money is better than poverty if only for financial reasons
i saw the magic of goal focus
one day you may wake up with nothing to show for the years
your actions reveal you
the hours of today are the forecast of tomorrow
your days may be filled but you have no direction
wasted time means wasted lives
our potential is one thing will we do with it is another
talent times effort equals skill skill x effort equals achievement
success or failure grew from a schedule
why does your reason for wealth matter?
I wanted to be the decider of my fate never the one whose fate was decided by others that is my why
when we lose our why we often lose our way
prayers not felt by us are seldom heard from God
they got us surrounded again, the poor bastards
pkans emerge from goals wrapped in faith
vision is the art of seeing things invisible
time shouldn't fly if it does that's a sign of lazy mindlessness
Detroit to live off a garden you practically have to live in it
I've never felt bettrr then today
riches grow from rich thoughts
we are all gardeners just trying to shape the land we are given
we can't see the picture when we are in the frame
curiosities to explore
I've never seen good things happen when one ignores a troubled sixth Sense
when you consider a path that doesn't resonate in your own soul you proceed at your own peril
every time I've done something that doesn't feel right it's ended up not being right
I'm being true to a dream
I want a life above money worry
it's easier for me to work for money than to worry about it
forget everything and run or face everything and rise
why aren't you content without a drug?
peace is found in self-mastery not self-medication
why not go out on a limb that's where the fruit is!
you can trust me in full confidence
I bought the rental as my sweaty hands shook
the quality of your life is directly related to how how much uncertainty you can comfortably handle
what we are afraid to do is a clear indicator of the next thing we need to do
you will either step into growth or you will step back into safety
how can I? The law that statement write the answers
a prudent man doesn't make the goat his gardener
my own lack of precaution has caused this mess
those without discipline act without reaso
it is better to be careful a hundred times than to be killed once
if we can take the worst take the risk
the essence of strategy is choosing what not to do
what's your plan to get more time and money ?
its always your next move
stubborn on goals flexible on plans
you will never find a wealthy person who didn't study wealth
if you're not willing to learn no one can help you, if you are determined to learn no one can stop you
be as you wish to seem
we control thought or we control nothing
turn their primary appeal into their handicap
never allow average
we are either remarkable or we are replaceable
when we support others we gain the support of us
a man with a big ego is the easiest to control
social intelligence is verbal fluency effective listening skills adaptation to others the ability to read others any Keen awareness of our impression on others
the strongest oak of the forest is not the one that is protected from the storm and hidden from the sun it's the one that stands in the open where it is compelled youto struggle for its existence against the winds rains and the scorching sun
achievers know that nothing is final until the heart stops beating
as long as we have breath we can always have hope
I was staring into the barrels of my greatest fear
it's a trial of misery
busy is normal but impact is rare
I never plan farther than a five-year horizon after five years it will be a new garden
the words were spoken gently but the message seemed to bite
suffering is basically the minds refusal to accept reality as it is. accept then act
whatever the present moment contains accept it as if you had chosen it this will miraculously transform your whole life
expecting the world to treat you fairly because you are a good person is a little like expecting the bull not to attack you because you're a vegetarian
accepting reality is the start of progress
time will tell but we often fail to listen
feelings are your gps system for life
work is easier then worry
we are all self-made but only the prosperous admit it onesconditions are the grade of one's past
I'm trapped by my lack of aim
grow acorns into oak trees
when we blame outside events for our failures we lose our ability to change
we are sailors heading into Dark skies we did not alter our course to miss the tumultuous storm
one of the most delightful things about a garden is the anticipation if provides
working for survival is motion without direction
that which grows slowly endures
it Is by attempting to reach the top by a single leap that's so much misery is caused in the world
stay uncomfortable by thinking huge
set bigger goals
I will seek the toughest paths to earn rewards and be happier for it I will not shrink to hard challenges
do what you resist push past hard glory is found beyond comfort
people don't know their potential because they don't fail enough
in our work we should push to failure
little hinges swing big doors
you get in life what you have the courage to ask for
My 👂 heard ⤵️
total financial freedom
prosperity is financial comfort... life without money worries
many things are indeed more important than money but overcoming the money problem allows us to focus on these important things without money and time we yield little power over life
is the price of success worth the rewards?
the lack of money leads to fear restlessness and chronic despair
a work-life balance is not so wonderful you spend your spare time in an uneasy state of financial anxiety
we never know the value of money until we know the fear of its absence
money like Oxygen is not too important until there is not enough of it
I was trapped in the middle class struggle for decades
only you can know the conditions that will satisfy your soul
only you can feel the pull of your ambition
don't judge each day by the harvest you reap but by the seeds you plant
don't you get it? there is never a certainty of future rewards, but we go for it anyway, or we keep what we've got
I was a lamb at the slaughterhouse
if you waste your hours you waste your potential
I was powerless due to lack of daily purpose
You merely existed in your time
you avoided work and strain at all costs
you have proven yourself worthy of little more than eating and sitting
you spent beyond your means
your want and lifestyle trapped you into wage slavery
since you have proven yourself worthy of life without thought
you used your time with care
control your spending
the value of life lies not in the length of days but in the use we make of them
a man may live long but get very little
our outcomes reflect our hours
have i exhausted my pitch ?
I will consult with my advisors and get back with you
doing the right thing is more important doing the thing right
I found that the misery of losing money was related to the years of labor required to earn it
the point to digest
The garden of my life is flourishing due too many small consistent actions
double your income by engaging in impact activities
concentrate daily to picture your wishes fulfilled
only a few actions earn intangible rewards
all the flowers of Tomorrow are in the seeds of today
the advice in this book is as indispensable as living people
clear thinking is a learned skill
treacherous deceiver
the world is a judge that weighs results not efforts
we make time or we keep what we've got
we are wise to notice
we are all too busy to add to our schedules but we either change what we're doing or we keep what we've got
all dreams are paid for with the cost of our time
most dreams die from lack of daily hours
any work beats the humiliation of being broke and dependent
in your eyes you see yourself inferior to others
in our duty we fimd our dignity
when the roots are deep there is no reason to fear the wind
we saw more trees and less concrete
we pay the price of an extraordinary life are we paying the regrets of an average life
an extraordinary life requires the sacrifice of our leisure hours but an ordinary life requires the sacrifice of our cherished dreams
God gives every bird his daily food but doesn't throw it into the nest
i earn my wealth through the service of others
a battle-ready attitude
do not pray for easy lives pray to be stronger men
the wish for an easy life invites delusion and unhappiness
what does success look like at the end of this week?
do not pray for tasks equal to your power pray for power equal to your tasks
a life without challenge is a life without worthy contribution
a battle-ready mindset is critical to win the day
heartbreaking worry
if you want to see the sunshine you have to weather the storm
a man of words and not of deeds is like a garden full of Weeds
i can't imagine his tortured regrets
we must not allow our dreams to turn into our regrets
when we ignore our inner wisdom we will regret it
I'm ignoring the silent whisper of discontentment
having reached the mountaintop after climbing for so long I was surprised to find little euphoria in fact I felt only a sense of relief
I had it all but I was not elated
the project seemed to have a growing purpose for me
a garden is where you can find a whole spectrum of life birth and death
the first 30 years are for the learning of money the next thirty years are for the earning of money and the final 30 years if done correctly are for the burning of money
you figured out how to survive but you have yet to figure out how to accumulate money
compensation is something we get for something we give
your rewards in this life will be in exact proportion to your human services
with no pressure we get no diamonds
where's the fulfillment for this line of work?? it's in the bank!
I watched this family with adoration
any idiot can face a crisis it's this day to day living that wears you out
a professional is someone who can do his best when he doesn't feel like it
the best fertilizer is the gardeners shadow
we must always always beat the voice of defeat that whispers In our heads
without hope the will to start is absent and without self trust the will to endure is lost
I will accept nothing less than riches properly earned
it is not what you are that holds you back it's what you think you are not
it is not the mountain we conquer but ourselves
Trammell Crow Hyatt developer in Dallas
there must always be a burn in your heart to achievehe
a task begone is nearly done is nearly half done
in your life's confidence is too vital to be left to chance
I always thought I'd sink so I never swam
the job has an unacceptable income ceiling
Trammell Crow and harry Helmsley biography real estate
everyone is a genius but if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid
the difference between ambition and a wish is sacrifice
everyone has a destiny that needs to be actualized
we can ignore a lot of things but we can't ignore our ambition we're born with it and we're stuck with it when we deny our desires ambition becomes agitation... it's best to go with it
intelligence without ambition is like a Bird without wings
I'm unable to endure mediocrity
I nodded without comment
I want to try my hand at a venture
sometimes the heart sees what is invisible to the eye
ambition without cau
i got to get a bigger digit
if we quiet down the mind begin to hear what we are not paying attention to
the mighty oak was once a little nut that stood its ground
ambition without caution is a bus without brakes but ambition without courage is a bus without keys
wealth favors the individual with courage and caution in the right measure
I get close to acting on my dream but it just won't do it
now you can't fall back on that worn-out excuse
he just can't ever take the first step, he dwells and what he might lose and ignores the fact that he's not happy where he is
isn't it common we fear the consequences of action but ignore the costs of inaction
in real estate it has been said we don't go broke from a bad deal that gets away we only go broke from the bad deals we do get
gardening is a way of showing that you believe in tomorrow
when someone asks you how's it going respond better than good and better than most
unrealistic is just an opinion
he's a man of solid action
I learned to focus on why I was doing the work and not on the burden of it
I developed my fortitude
the key to endure demanding work is to focus on meaning
life is just an employer he gives you what you ask for once you set the wages why you must bear the task
starters are common but finishers are rare
it's fun to dream but achievmenr is built on hours
wealth follows draining journeys
friends are the flowers in the garden of Life
a band of Brothers becomes one another since we rarely outperform our inner circle
guarding your mind against the negative influence of others as a skill you acquire to become wealthy
day after day he spends his time in crippling worry
they're done striving in their lives
problem isn't that you're lazy it's that you're coasting
true friends help you become all that you can be
and they delight in your growth
you have no savings and no financial traction
he'saimless about goals
the cost of complacency is lost opportunity our indecision erases many future opportunities
it is in our moments of decision that our destiny is shaped
full effort is full victory
it Is by spending oneself that we become rich
I found that my best effort assured satisfaction snd anything less left me vulnerable to regrets
we leave our wealth to Chance by not setting financial goals
goals are to be trusted not questioned
goals offer criteria to your many decisions
goals cause coincidences to show up according to your faith
money is better than poverty if only for financial reasons
i saw the magic of goal focus
one day you may wake up with nothing to show for the years
your actions reveal you
the hours of today are the forecast of tomorrow
your days may be filled but you have no direction
wasted time means wasted lives
our potential is one thing will we do with it is another
talent times effort equals skill skill x effort equals achievement
success or failure grew from a schedule
why does your reason for wealth matter?
I wanted to be the decider of my fate never the one whose fate was decided by others that is my why
when we lose our why we often lose our way
prayers not felt by us are seldom heard from God
they got us surrounded again, the poor bastards
pkans emerge from goals wrapped in faith
vision is the art of seeing things invisible
time shouldn't fly if it does that's a sign of lazy mindlessness
Detroit to live off a garden you practically have to live in it
I've never felt bettrr then today
riches grow from rich thoughts
we are all gardeners just trying to shape the land we are given
we can't see the picture when we are in the frame
curiosities to explore
I've never seen good things happen when one ignores a troubled sixth Sense
when you consider a path that doesn't resonate in your own soul you proceed at your own peril
every time I've done something that doesn't feel right it's ended up not being right
I'm being true to a dream
I want a life above money worry
it's easier for me to work for money than to worry about it
forget everything and run or face everything and rise
why aren't you content without a drug?
peace is found in self-mastery not self-medication
why not go out on a limb that's where the fruit is!
you can trust me in full confidence
I bought the rental as my sweaty hands shook
the quality of your life is directly related to how how much uncertainty you can comfortably handle
what we are afraid to do is a clear indicator of the next thing we need to do
you will either step into growth or you will step back into safety
how can I? The law that statement write the answers
a prudent man doesn't make the goat his gardener
my own lack of precaution has caused this mess
those without discipline act without reaso
it is better to be careful a hundred times than to be killed once
if we can take the worst take the risk
the essence of strategy is choosing what not to do
what's your plan to get more time and money ?
its always your next move
stubborn on goals flexible on plans
you will never find a wealthy person who didn't study wealth
if you're not willing to learn no one can help you, if you are determined to learn no one can stop you
be as you wish to seem
we control thought or we control nothing
turn their primary appeal into their handicap
never allow average
we are either remarkable or we are replaceable
when we support others we gain the support of us
a man with a big ego is the easiest to control
social intelligence is verbal fluency effective listening skills adaptation to others the ability to read others any Keen awareness of our impression on others
the strongest oak of the forest is not the one that is protected from the storm and hidden from the sun it's the one that stands in the open where it is compelled youto struggle for its existence against the winds rains and the scorching sun
achievers know that nothing is final until the heart stops beating
as long as we have breath we can always have hope
I was staring into the barrels of my greatest fear
it's a trial of misery
busy is normal but impact is rare
I never plan farther than a five-year horizon after five years it will be a new garden
the words were spoken gently but the message seemed to bite
suffering is basically the minds refusal to accept reality as it is. accept then act
whatever the present moment contains accept it as if you had chosen it this will miraculously transform your whole life
expecting the world to treat you fairly because you are a good person is a little like expecting the bull not to attack you because you're a vegetarian
accepting reality is the start of progress
time will tell but we often fail to listen
feelings are your gps system for life
work is easier then worry
we are all self-made but only the prosperous admit it onesconditions are the grade of one's past
I'm trapped by my lack of aim
grow acorns into oak trees
when we blame outside events for our failures we lose our ability to change
we are sailors heading into Dark skies we did not alter our course to miss the tumultuous storm
one of the most delightful things about a garden is the anticipation if provides
working for survival is motion without direction
that which grows slowly endures
it Is by attempting to reach the top by a single leap that's so much misery is caused in the world
stay uncomfortable by thinking huge
set bigger goals
I will seek the toughest paths to earn rewards and be happier for it I will not shrink to hard challenges
do what you resist push past hard glory is found beyond comfort
people don't know their potential because they don't fail enough
in our work we should push to failure
little hinges swing big doors
you get in life what you have the courage to ask for
January 15, 2025
Some good life lessons. Perfect for reading 1-2 chapters a day. However, the chapters seemed a bit repetitive.
April 12, 2025
Useful lessons on building wealth, decision making and making the most of life
February 28, 2019
A beautifully written book about intentional and purposeful living. We are all the same in what we are but made different by what we do or do not do. Really inspiring.
September 4, 2019
The book
The Wealthy Gardener: Life Lessons on Prosperity between Father and Son by John Soforic
is a unique cliffhanger from the start.
The author combines intriguing parables on the life lessons of prosperity with nonfiction. This is not a book on ‘how to get rich quick.’ I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author through Booktasters. It is a manual packed with tenets of wisdom for a lifetime's financial dignity. Soforic reveals a deep scope of financial literacy that defines the prosperous life.
In the book, we met several characters. The Wealthy Gardener, his friends, and his neighbor, Jared are remarkable. The friends of the Wealthy Gardener judge his workaholic life that lacks balance living life. John Soforic gives an account of the friend’s advice: ’slow down’, ‘take it easy’, ‘enjoy more leisure’, ‘live for the day’. These are comments we hear every waking moment. You have to read the book to see the response, insight, and feat of the Wealthy Gardner.
The father-son relationship plays out between the Wealthy Gardener and Jared. The introductory conversation between the Wealthy Gardener and Jared left me in stitches.
Jared is a young bachelor who moved back in with his parents after he lost both his job and his marriage. What a typical scenario in many homes today? To ease financial pressure, more children that are adults live with their parents today.
It is what I have come face-to-face in my line of work, in particular, in succession tales of family businesses. I deal with two to three generations that use extreme measures to survive in their seasons of wealth, unscathed. The grandfather gets his hands dirty gardening, but the father adores his gadgets. The next generation taps into the success habits of as many generations as possible.
A firm foundation of solid and useful principles of money, wealth, and finance run in the book. The comprehensive coverage of financial fear, affluence, prudence, and success is clear. Highlights of meditation and reflection on the secrets of money echo in each chapter.
In this book, you will unearth how those who grasp the financial Holy Grail use their time. Find out the actual way to live life to the fullest and experience meaningful pursuits every day.
You may have an ideal interpretation of prosperity, financial security, and financial freedom. But, the values provided by Soforic call for urgency.
There are answers to life's questions. 'Is the price of success worth the rewards?' ‘Are wild rewards of prosperity possible?’ The Wealthy Gardener provides the answer.
You will not put this book down – startled.
This is a must-read for a parent determined to see their child set up for a prosperous financial success . It is a priority self-mastery classic for owners of enterprises and businesses . If you want to debunk the ‘evils of excessive wealth and prosperity’ , then this book is for you. Do you feel trapped and yearn for the freedom to live without the pressure of time? Are you drowning in voices that tell you to be contend with the conditions in your life? Buy your copy of The Wealthy Gardener: Life Lessons on Prosperity between Father and Son by John Soforic on Amazon today.
Interact with the author ‘to solve big problems, fit to harvest wealth.’
I give this a 5.0 star rating.
Hazlo Emma
The author combines intriguing parables on the life lessons of prosperity with nonfiction. This is not a book on ‘how to get rich quick.’ I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author through Booktasters. It is a manual packed with tenets of wisdom for a lifetime's financial dignity. Soforic reveals a deep scope of financial literacy that defines the prosperous life.
‘A way of life’
‘Awakening without money worries’
‘A spiritual journey’
‘A spiritual adventure’
In the book, we met several characters. The Wealthy Gardener, his friends, and his neighbor, Jared are remarkable. The friends of the Wealthy Gardener judge his workaholic life that lacks balance living life. John Soforic gives an account of the friend’s advice: ’slow down’, ‘take it easy’, ‘enjoy more leisure’, ‘live for the day’. These are comments we hear every waking moment. You have to read the book to see the response, insight, and feat of the Wealthy Gardner.
The father-son relationship plays out between the Wealthy Gardener and Jared. The introductory conversation between the Wealthy Gardener and Jared left me in stitches.
‘I hope that phone has an app for pulling weeds'
Jared is a young bachelor who moved back in with his parents after he lost both his job and his marriage. What a typical scenario in many homes today? To ease financial pressure, more children that are adults live with their parents today.
It is what I have come face-to-face in my line of work, in particular, in succession tales of family businesses. I deal with two to three generations that use extreme measures to survive in their seasons of wealth, unscathed. The grandfather gets his hands dirty gardening, but the father adores his gadgets. The next generation taps into the success habits of as many generations as possible.
A firm foundation of solid and useful principles of money, wealth, and finance run in the book. The comprehensive coverage of financial fear, affluence, prudence, and success is clear. Highlights of meditation and reflection on the secrets of money echo in each chapter.
‘Money, like oxygen, is not too important until there is not enough of it. But when levels run low, it will consume us. Then, every waking hour is spent working for money or worrying about it.’
In this book, you will unearth how those who grasp the financial Holy Grail use their time. Find out the actual way to live life to the fullest and experience meaningful pursuits every day.
You may have an ideal interpretation of prosperity, financial security, and financial freedom. But, the values provided by Soforic call for urgency.
'Adopt prosperity habits.'
'Pay the price for an extraordinary life today.'
‘Today is a king in disguise. Let us not be deceived. Let us unmask the king as he passes’ wrote Emerson.
There are answers to life's questions. 'Is the price of success worth the rewards?' ‘Are wild rewards of prosperity possible?’ The Wealthy Gardener provides the answer.
You will not put this book down – startled.
This is a must-read for a parent determined to see their child set up for a prosperous financial success . It is a priority self-mastery classic for owners of enterprises and businesses . If you want to debunk the ‘evils of excessive wealth and prosperity’ , then this book is for you. Do you feel trapped and yearn for the freedom to live without the pressure of time? Are you drowning in voices that tell you to be contend with the conditions in your life? Buy your copy of The Wealthy Gardener: Life Lessons on Prosperity between Father and Son by John Soforic on Amazon today.
Interact with the author ‘to solve big problems, fit to harvest wealth.’
I give this a 5.0 star rating.
Hazlo Emma
May 30, 2019
Fabulous book
This book was better than rich Dad poor Dad. I'm going to remained it to friends and add it to my lending library.
This book was better than rich Dad poor Dad. I'm going to remained it to friends and add it to my lending library.
May 3, 2022
I stopped reading the book half way through. I understand that there are people who find this kind of stuff interesting, but I am not one of them. I decided to give it a go because it was on the reading list for my bookclub.
The first third of the the book is your regular "prosperity gospel" stuff. After that it got into talking about how "certitude" can make you rich. That was too much for me.
My issue with this book is not necessarily that it is not for me, it is much more than that. I have read books that are not interesting to me. In those cases, I can see why another person would find them interesting. There is SOMETHING to find interesting. There is no such thing here. At least not something worth writing a book about.
The first third of the the book is your regular "prosperity gospel" stuff. After that it got into talking about how "certitude" can make you rich. That was too much for me.
My issue with this book is not necessarily that it is not for me, it is much more than that. I have read books that are not interesting to me. In those cases, I can see why another person would find them interesting. There is SOMETHING to find interesting. There is no such thing here. At least not something worth writing a book about.
May 6, 2019
John Soforic has truly written a gem of a book. He is right up there with some of my absolute favorite authors-Neale Donald Walsch, Mike Dooley, Deepak Chopra, and Paulo Coelho.
The author uses fiction and reality to weave a story about wealth creation and management. The characters in the fictional parts are realistic and engaging, and the story is interesting. The characters in the author's true life parts of the book are no less interesting.
I believe this book should be read by everyone. It is funny and interesting to me that it is a personal finance book. Truly that part of it kind of just sneaks up on you as you are reading this great fictional story, and then the author's interesting personal story of wealth attainment and achievement through spiritual practices, hard work, focus, intention, and perseverance.
It is rare that I feel a book has changed my life, however in this instance I can say truthfully, that it has. I've taken copious notes and have already sought out ways to increase my income for the sole purpose of saving and investing (as per suggestions in the book).
Thank you Mr. Soforic, I truly hope that you have other books in the works, because I am anxious to read them.
I have already started re-reading the book with my husband. It is THAT good!
The author uses fiction and reality to weave a story about wealth creation and management. The characters in the fictional parts are realistic and engaging, and the story is interesting. The characters in the author's true life parts of the book are no less interesting.
I believe this book should be read by everyone. It is funny and interesting to me that it is a personal finance book. Truly that part of it kind of just sneaks up on you as you are reading this great fictional story, and then the author's interesting personal story of wealth attainment and achievement through spiritual practices, hard work, focus, intention, and perseverance.
It is rare that I feel a book has changed my life, however in this instance I can say truthfully, that it has. I've taken copious notes and have already sought out ways to increase my income for the sole purpose of saving and investing (as per suggestions in the book).
Thank you Mr. Soforic, I truly hope that you have other books in the works, because I am anxious to read them.
I have already started re-reading the book with my husband. It is THAT good!
November 20, 2019
The Wealthy Gardener is written by John Soforic. It is a book filled with important lessons and stories on life that will inspire and motivate you to achieve your goals. This book, in modern lingo, would be classified as “woke”. It sheds light on how we are slaves to our jobs and about how our own thoughts and insecurities are our biggest hurdles.
By his own admission, the author is trying to engage his son in many lessons on wealth but never “wanted to preach at him”. This book is an interesting combination of fiction and non-fiction. Its primary aim is to educate the reader; and, in that, it succeeds. The book is divided into three parts- Master Gardening, Wealthy Gardener and Abundant Harvesting. Every chapter in this book is profoundly insightful and offers the readers tips on how to properly secure and manage finances.
John Soforic studied in a catholic grade school. Here, he was taught that having too much wealth and prosperity is bad. Most of us are familiar with the phrase “Money is the root of all evil.” Contradicting his education, John explains that there should be no guilt in wanting or earning money. He talks about financial anxiety that arises when there is a lack of adequate finances in a household.
This book also focuses a lot on “financial freedom”. Throughout the book, Soforic comes off as a pragmatist and a realist. He is not selling you the American dream; instead, he is selling you `what it would be like if you achieved financial freedom’. He endorses hard work and perseverance. Soforic establishes ethos by sharing his personal experiences so the readers can understand that they too may have gone through these things. The inspirational quotes throughout the book persuade the readers to put in an earnest effort in order to reap the benefits.
I personally enjoyed this style of writing. The transitions between the fiction and non-fiction parts were smooth. The non-fiction part of this book is almost autobiographical and is written entirely in first person. This adds a personal touch to the book and engages the reader. Every chapter is compelling and some chapters even provide the reader with mathematical evidence. Every fictional story fits perfectly with the author's personal narrative.
Throughout the book, the author uses simple language which makes it easy to understand. Soforic puts forth facts that are guaranteed to change your mindset and motivate you to be more mindful of your finances. Apart from financial lessons, this book also gives you spiritual lessons. The beauty of this book is that it can be read by any age group and the advice and teachings will still apply. As the significance of money increases with each day, it is important for us to be more aware of how to manage our finances and lives properly.
This book is a great, educative read and I would recommend it to anyone who feels like they are in a rut and don’t know how to get out. It is great for those people who are seeking advice (especially financially) and for anyone who needs motivation or inspiration.
By his own admission, the author is trying to engage his son in many lessons on wealth but never “wanted to preach at him”. This book is an interesting combination of fiction and non-fiction. Its primary aim is to educate the reader; and, in that, it succeeds. The book is divided into three parts- Master Gardening, Wealthy Gardener and Abundant Harvesting. Every chapter in this book is profoundly insightful and offers the readers tips on how to properly secure and manage finances.
John Soforic studied in a catholic grade school. Here, he was taught that having too much wealth and prosperity is bad. Most of us are familiar with the phrase “Money is the root of all evil.” Contradicting his education, John explains that there should be no guilt in wanting or earning money. He talks about financial anxiety that arises when there is a lack of adequate finances in a household.
This book also focuses a lot on “financial freedom”. Throughout the book, Soforic comes off as a pragmatist and a realist. He is not selling you the American dream; instead, he is selling you `what it would be like if you achieved financial freedom’. He endorses hard work and perseverance. Soforic establishes ethos by sharing his personal experiences so the readers can understand that they too may have gone through these things. The inspirational quotes throughout the book persuade the readers to put in an earnest effort in order to reap the benefits.
I personally enjoyed this style of writing. The transitions between the fiction and non-fiction parts were smooth. The non-fiction part of this book is almost autobiographical and is written entirely in first person. This adds a personal touch to the book and engages the reader. Every chapter is compelling and some chapters even provide the reader with mathematical evidence. Every fictional story fits perfectly with the author's personal narrative.
Throughout the book, the author uses simple language which makes it easy to understand. Soforic puts forth facts that are guaranteed to change your mindset and motivate you to be more mindful of your finances. Apart from financial lessons, this book also gives you spiritual lessons. The beauty of this book is that it can be read by any age group and the advice and teachings will still apply. As the significance of money increases with each day, it is important for us to be more aware of how to manage our finances and lives properly.
This book is a great, educative read and I would recommend it to anyone who feels like they are in a rut and don’t know how to get out. It is great for those people who are seeking advice (especially financially) and for anyone who needs motivation or inspiration.
March 5, 2024
Allow me to save you probably at least 300 pages of this 400 page book: The main advice from this author is "work a lot, and don't spend money." That's it. That's the advice he repeats over and over again through his own history as well as through a made up story with a character that is clearly an alter-ego of the author himself. And I am not saying this is "bad" financial advice, but I don't think it needed an entire book for this concept.
While the lack of diversity in advice was the main issue, another issue was that this book was clearly written by a straight white man who believes in traditional gender roles for other straight white men. I say this because the author states multiple times that for years he was constantly working, including one year when he only stopped working on his businesses to sleep. He also mentions that he had two young children during this time. Which leads me to believe he was only able to follow his own advice of "constantly work" by having a wife who took care of all household and childcare duties. While that might have worked for his family, I do not think this is generally helpful advice. He also never explicitly mentions that he had someone taking care of those duties full time for "free," which leads me to believe he does not appreciate the support his wife provided (but that's just my opinion).
Similarly, this book was clearly not made for women. He briefly mentions one (1) story about a single woman with children working towards financial freedom, and that's it. Every other part of the book in both the fictional and real stories are about men. In his fictional story the only financial lessons are taught to men and boys, and women solely exist as wives or girlfriends to these men. It also struck me as odd that he mentioned wanting to pass along financial lessons only to his son, when he (briefly) mentioned that he also has a daughter.
There were also one off issues I had with the book, such as the "wealthy gardener" character deciding to turn a funeral into a financial lesson about how the deceased died without realizing his full potential. It really only made me hate the character and not want to listen to anything he said. In addition, I found it VERY off putting that he decided to add that he stopped drinking because his son was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes and that "drinking is extremely dangerous for those with type 1 diabetes." Which is not true. Those with type 1 diabetes can drink alcohol the same as anyone else, they just need to be more aware of their blood glucose levels. Maybe if he had taken some time off working to go to his son's doctors appointments he would actually know that.
While the lack of diversity in advice was the main issue, another issue was that this book was clearly written by a straight white man who believes in traditional gender roles for other straight white men. I say this because the author states multiple times that for years he was constantly working, including one year when he only stopped working on his businesses to sleep. He also mentions that he had two young children during this time. Which leads me to believe he was only able to follow his own advice of "constantly work" by having a wife who took care of all household and childcare duties. While that might have worked for his family, I do not think this is generally helpful advice. He also never explicitly mentions that he had someone taking care of those duties full time for "free," which leads me to believe he does not appreciate the support his wife provided (but that's just my opinion).
Similarly, this book was clearly not made for women. He briefly mentions one (1) story about a single woman with children working towards financial freedom, and that's it. Every other part of the book in both the fictional and real stories are about men. In his fictional story the only financial lessons are taught to men and boys, and women solely exist as wives or girlfriends to these men. It also struck me as odd that he mentioned wanting to pass along financial lessons only to his son, when he (briefly) mentioned that he also has a daughter.
There were also one off issues I had with the book, such as the "wealthy gardener" character deciding to turn a funeral into a financial lesson about how the deceased died without realizing his full potential. It really only made me hate the character and not want to listen to anything he said. In addition, I found it VERY off putting that he decided to add that he stopped drinking because his son was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes and that "drinking is extremely dangerous for those with type 1 diabetes." Which is not true. Those with type 1 diabetes can drink alcohol the same as anyone else, they just need to be more aware of their blood glucose levels. Maybe if he had taken some time off working to go to his son's doctors appointments he would actually know that.
June 26, 2019
Have you ever had the feeling that a book found you instead of the other way around? I felt that way a few chapters into The Wealthy Gardener. When I wasn’t reading, I found myself thinking about the life lessons each chapter illustrated. I highlighted relevant quotes from the great thinkers and common people that Soforic used, and stories that I wanted to remember. Before long I realized that I was highlighting most of the book.
John Soforic has written these guidelines for his son, to teach him the lessons he learned along the way to becoming a wealthy, successful man. Soforic admits that the work required to be free from economic concerns is a commitment. But, “we pay the price of an extraordinary life or the regrets of an average life.” And since happiness is aligned with success there is a reward for making the commitment and sticking with it.
This book has changed my life. It’s a roadmap for a happy life, simply put. I’ve always battled procrastination but when I read, “we make time or we keep what we’ve got”, it resonated with me. I’ve already begun making changes in my life, using impact hours and listening to my inner voice. It’s helped me immeasurably to focus, plan and act with decisiveness. “When we discover what makes us tick, we will discover our full power.” I only wish I’d had this book when I was 25.
I’m including this quote by Bill Earle because I love it:
“If your outgo exceeds your income, then your upkeep will be your downfall.”
John Soforic has written these guidelines for his son, to teach him the lessons he learned along the way to becoming a wealthy, successful man. Soforic admits that the work required to be free from economic concerns is a commitment. But, “we pay the price of an extraordinary life or the regrets of an average life.” And since happiness is aligned with success there is a reward for making the commitment and sticking with it.
This book has changed my life. It’s a roadmap for a happy life, simply put. I’ve always battled procrastination but when I read, “we make time or we keep what we’ve got”, it resonated with me. I’ve already begun making changes in my life, using impact hours and listening to my inner voice. It’s helped me immeasurably to focus, plan and act with decisiveness. “When we discover what makes us tick, we will discover our full power.” I only wish I’d had this book when I was 25.
I’m including this quote by Bill Earle because I love it:
“If your outgo exceeds your income, then your upkeep will be your downfall.”
June 30, 2022
In The Wealthy Gardener, John Soforic takes his readers through a fiction and non-fiction journey of attaining financial freedom. In it, he ties in lessons on wealth and finance with other valuable topics such as the perks of frugality, the importance of developing personal meaningful relationships, one's duty to give back to the community, using time wisely, the meaning of life and death, and many other quandaries of life.
Soforic also challenges many modern stigmas and popular ideas about the pursuit of wealth. He backs up all of his claims with his own personal experiences as well as by referring to well-known ambitious, prosperous, and successful people with similar mentalities (such as Warren Buffet, Steve Jobs, Socrates, and many others legends.) I can certainly say that my outlook on finance, wealth, and prosperity has been completely reformed.
This book is a true gem. I intend to take all that I have gained in these lessons moving forward in my own career, for the betterment of my community and the world. I hope to one day pass on this wisdom to my children, my children's children, as well as to those that surround me. I am extremely grateful to one of my best friends for gifting me this book as it has left me a changed person for the better.
Soforic also challenges many modern stigmas and popular ideas about the pursuit of wealth. He backs up all of his claims with his own personal experiences as well as by referring to well-known ambitious, prosperous, and successful people with similar mentalities (such as Warren Buffet, Steve Jobs, Socrates, and many others legends.) I can certainly say that my outlook on finance, wealth, and prosperity has been completely reformed.
This book is a true gem. I intend to take all that I have gained in these lessons moving forward in my own career, for the betterment of my community and the world. I hope to one day pass on this wisdom to my children, my children's children, as well as to those that surround me. I am extremely grateful to one of my best friends for gifting me this book as it has left me a changed person for the better.
April 18, 2019
Half fiction - half non-fiction The Wealthy Gardener pulls you into a world filled with the most important life lessons around wealth and wealth creation, which can of course be applied to any area of your life.
The Wealthy Gardener takes you on a unforgettable journey of learning absent of preaching as he does.
Practical, and most importantly, real world habits and skills that can be learned and implemented in an average persons life.
Many nuggets of wisdom fill the pages of this well thought out and written book. One I have marked up and will be revisiting often as I make my way through my own journey, one day becoming my own version of The Wealthy Gardener.
The Wealthy Gardener takes you on a unforgettable journey of learning absent of preaching as he does.
Practical, and most importantly, real world habits and skills that can be learned and implemented in an average persons life.
Many nuggets of wisdom fill the pages of this well thought out and written book. One I have marked up and will be revisiting often as I make my way through my own journey, one day becoming my own version of The Wealthy Gardener.
January 28, 2025
I cannot recall reading a better book.
I usually read a book per week and normally write a couple of sentences of the teachings I learned at the end of the book. On this book I could not drop my pen since there are so many lessons to learn not only in terms of finance and wealth but for life in general.
I am ordering more copies to carry with me and give away to people zI care about !
I usually read a book per week and normally write a couple of sentences of the teachings I learned at the end of the book. On this book I could not drop my pen since there are so many lessons to learn not only in terms of finance and wealth but for life in general.
I am ordering more copies to carry with me and give away to people zI care about !
November 26, 2019
A great read after reading Dave Ramsey a few years ago. 5 stars!
January 31, 2021
I've read many self help books, and maybe even more books about wealth and prosperity. Some by the biggest, baddest, famous, and brilliant authors such as Brian Tracy, Gary Vaynerchuck, Grant Cardone, MJ Demarco, Stephen Covey, etc. And I don't mean any disrespect whatsoever in saying this because some of their books are great, and have and will continue to influence me, but as far as overall impact goes, none comes close to the book written by first time author John Soforic The Wealthy Gardener. About the book, you'll just have to read it, please, because off the top of my head I can't do enough justice for it in this review. But if I can quickly sum it up, half the book is a parable and the other half are objective lessons of prosperity, most of which relate to the author's personal life. The page-turning parable itself, is worthy of a legendary book. The lessons seem endless, there's no fluff, just straight unadulterated knowledge. Much of the text is made of quotes of inspirational characters in human society. These quotes, and there are a ton of them, are memorable, germane, and placed perfectly in the text and in the beginning of the chapters. Each chapter is a lesson, and I love the structure. And I can't even believe the author was able to carry on the parable and make it fit fluently and perfectly in each chapter and its lessons. I'm honest in my reviews, and if I don't like something I would say it. What confuses me is how this book hasn't spread like wildfire in the self-help and wealth/prosperity department. I mean maybe it has, but 35 reviews before mine makes it seem to me that this text doesn't get the credit it deserves, so far. And when it does, I can say I was one of the first people that have read it when it was given to me a few months ago. Deep inside though, I will never forget many of the lessons I've learned in this book. I will make sure of that because I will go back and look at my highlights. But, I hope I can do justice to this underappreciated gem by sharing it, or at least it's lessons, with those that I know and care about, and taking these lessons personally with me in my future.
March 8, 2025
Frankómeto: 88%
Pudo haberse llamado: Padre rico.
Lo recomienda: André le Notre
Léelo si te gustó: El hombre más rico de babilonia
*****
"Venimos de la tierra y a la tierra volvemos. Y en el medio... hacemos jardinería"
Este libro es una mezcla entre parábola y guía financiera, escrita por un padre que busca transmitir a su hijo las lecciones que lo llevaron a la libertad financiera. A través de la figura del "jardinero próspero", Soforic destila principios clave sobre el dinero, la disciplina y la mentalidad que construyen la riqueza a largo plazo. Es un enfoque práctico y filosófico a la vez, que no solo se centra en ganar dinero, sino en vivir con propósito.
El libro se estructura en pequeñas lecciones, donde Soforic aborda temas como la importancia del ahorro, la inversión inteligente y el valor del tiempo. A diferencia de otros libros de finanzas, aquí se enfatiza la conexión entre el crecimiento personal y el éxito económico. Uno de sus mensajes más fuertes es que la riqueza no es solo cuestión de suerte o ingresos altos, sino de hábitos, visión y compromiso diario con una meta clara. También destaca la importancia de aprender de los fracasos y ver el dinero como una herramienta para la libertad, no como un fin en sí mismo.
En un mundo en donde millones de títulos sobre "éxito, dinero, riqueza" y más tratan de meterse a nuestro bolsillo, este libro encuentra su propio nicho. Y es un nicho agradable. La narrativa es sencilla y accesible, con enseñanzas que se pueden aplicar de inmediato. Soforic enfatiza la importancia de la paciencia, la persistencia y el trabajo inteligente, más allá de los atajos o fórmulas mágicas. Un libro valioso para quienes buscan mejorar sus finanzas sin perder de vista el equilibrio entre éxito material y satisfacción personal.
Pudo haberse llamado: Padre rico.
Lo recomienda: André le Notre
Léelo si te gustó: El hombre más rico de babilonia
*****
"Venimos de la tierra y a la tierra volvemos. Y en el medio... hacemos jardinería"
Este libro es una mezcla entre parábola y guía financiera, escrita por un padre que busca transmitir a su hijo las lecciones que lo llevaron a la libertad financiera. A través de la figura del "jardinero próspero", Soforic destila principios clave sobre el dinero, la disciplina y la mentalidad que construyen la riqueza a largo plazo. Es un enfoque práctico y filosófico a la vez, que no solo se centra en ganar dinero, sino en vivir con propósito.
El libro se estructura en pequeñas lecciones, donde Soforic aborda temas como la importancia del ahorro, la inversión inteligente y el valor del tiempo. A diferencia de otros libros de finanzas, aquí se enfatiza la conexión entre el crecimiento personal y el éxito económico. Uno de sus mensajes más fuertes es que la riqueza no es solo cuestión de suerte o ingresos altos, sino de hábitos, visión y compromiso diario con una meta clara. También destaca la importancia de aprender de los fracasos y ver el dinero como una herramienta para la libertad, no como un fin en sí mismo.
En un mundo en donde millones de títulos sobre "éxito, dinero, riqueza" y más tratan de meterse a nuestro bolsillo, este libro encuentra su propio nicho. Y es un nicho agradable. La narrativa es sencilla y accesible, con enseñanzas que se pueden aplicar de inmediato. Soforic enfatiza la importancia de la paciencia, la persistencia y el trabajo inteligente, más allá de los atajos o fórmulas mágicas. Un libro valioso para quienes buscan mejorar sus finanzas sin perder de vista el equilibrio entre éxito material y satisfacción personal.
June 12, 2020
It has been a really long listen. I believe this is among the longest audiobook I have completed to this day and it was worth every minute.
Whenever I listened to this audiobook, I made sure I had my notepad open on my laptop or that I had pen and paper so that I could take notes. Every word and life lessons have so much value in it and I believe this book has transformed the way I see prosperity. It has also provided me different lessons which I should apply to my life.
There are books that tell you how to get rich quick and those books easily sell like pancakes, but this one is like an acorn seed. I didn't think I'd get a lot from it just by looking at the title or the cover of the book. It seemed like a small acorn seed. But once I started listening to it, the acorn seed started to grow little by little until it became like a fully grown oak tree. There's so much gems in this book and I'll be recommending this to my friends and family members.
Thank you for putting in the hours and dedication to write this book, John Soforic!
Also, kudos to Dennis Kleinman for being the voice I got to listen to as I dived into John's lessons on prosperity.
(This is the same review I wrote on Audible)
Whenever I listened to this audiobook, I made sure I had my notepad open on my laptop or that I had pen and paper so that I could take notes. Every word and life lessons have so much value in it and I believe this book has transformed the way I see prosperity. It has also provided me different lessons which I should apply to my life.
There are books that tell you how to get rich quick and those books easily sell like pancakes, but this one is like an acorn seed. I didn't think I'd get a lot from it just by looking at the title or the cover of the book. It seemed like a small acorn seed. But once I started listening to it, the acorn seed started to grow little by little until it became like a fully grown oak tree. There's so much gems in this book and I'll be recommending this to my friends and family members.
Thank you for putting in the hours and dedication to write this book, John Soforic!
Also, kudos to Dennis Kleinman for being the voice I got to listen to as I dived into John's lessons on prosperity.
(This is the same review I wrote on Audible)
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