Wealth: Is It Worth It?

by Ken Blanchard (Foreword), Dave Ramsey (Introduction), Truett Cathy

Truett Cathy has experienced poverty and plenty. Though the founder of Chick-fil-A, Inc., prefers times of plenty, he hopes never to forget the lessons he learned growing up poor. No overnight success story, Cathy worked with his wife, Jeannette, for 21 years behind the counter of their single mom-and-pop restaurant before he opened the first Chick-fil-A restaurant at the age of 46. His latest book, Wealth: Is It Worth It? explores the opportunities and responsibilities that accompany success.

Genres: Business, Finance, Nonfiction, Personal Development, Personal Growth, Self Help, Leadership

192 pages, Hardcover

First published October 1, 2010

About the author

For business & leadership, see Kenneth H. Blanchard

Reviews

[Ben Kaminski · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was very cool to see read the stories of a very wealthy man being so generous and living a simple life. I think every human has an innate desire to be wealthy, but what does wealth mean to you? This was a great reminder to be generous in all that we do and to continually give with knowing that we’ll be alright ourselves.

[Tim Maurer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I actually had the opportunity to interview Truett Cathy, the 90-something founder of Chick-Fil-a when this book came out. And while he's not an author, the subject matter--and in particular, his take on it--is truly profound. It could change the way you look at life and money and especially wealth. While Mr. Cathy has a tendency to sermonize, it feels like a loving grandfather, not a self-righteous preacher. Additionally, it's not only his own thoughts that carry weight--he includes the wisdom he's gleaned from conversations with folks like Warren Buffett...who I heard also knows a thing or two about life and money.

[Matt · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wonderful little book filled with short and easily readable chapters from a range of people all answering the question "is wealth worth it?" From a range of different perspectives.

For me the answer is best summed up in the foreword by Ken Blanchard: "wealth is only worth it if you give it away"

Many of the other answers agree and build upon it, and it's filled with stories, especially of Truett himself and the journey over the years of long service and growing business success whilst not letting that go to the head (or heart).

The book is split into 4 main sections:
1. The power of wealth
2. Earn wealth honestly
3. Spend wealth wisely and save it reasonably
4. Share wealth generously

I highly recommend this as a primer and good challenge on the power of wealth for good and ill, for it to be a blessing or a curse.

[Lily · Rating 1 out of 5]

This felt like a combination of Facebook statuses. Very scattered and choppy. Didn’t really have much value or substance within the short paragraph length sections/chapters. Extremely hard to relate to.

[Henry · Rating 4 out of 5]

I deeply appreciate the humility with which this book was written. It presents a compelling perspective on wealth, particularly in the hands of those who see themselves as stewards rather than owners. Through the lens of God’s principles, it challenges the reader to consider not just how money is earned, but how it is used to serve others. The book provides striking examples of individuals who became consumed by their pursuit of wealth, only to find themselves lost, their fortunes ultimately leading to ruin rather than fulfillment. It serves as a sobering reminder that wealth, when detached from purpose and faith, can be more of a burden than a blessing.

Truett Cathy’s approach to wealth is undeniably admirable. His commitment to generosity and service reflects a rare perspective in a world that often equates financial success with personal achievement alone. However, wealth management is not a one size fits all solution. While his choices were deeply rooted in his faith and humble beginnings, they are not necessarily an absolute standard for everyone. The question remains: is wealth truly worth it? If it is gained at the cost of one’s values, relationships, or spiritual foundation, then perhaps it is not. But if it is used as a tool for good, as Cathy believed, then its worth is found not in the money itself, but in the impact it leaves behind.

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Wealth: Is It Worth It?” An important question and Truett Cathy is just the man to answer it. But what I love about this book, and what I believe is a direct reflection of Truett’s character, is he does not stop at sharing his insights only. Instead, he asks many of the wealthy people he admires and respects to share their thoughts on material wealth.

Truett was very much in the business of creating long-term, sustained growth. It is truly remarkable. He had an amazing vision for what eternal impact can and should look like when a company has a high view of its people and emphasizes getting better before getting bigger. There are so many great bits of wisdom in the book, but here are a few highlights:

“I (Truett Cathy) find satisfaction by moving from one plateau to another and making sure we’re doing everything right before we move on.”

“Invest in the future. Children grow up to become paying customers, and they remember how they were treated as children. Treat them with kindness and respect, just as you would parents.”

“If you have true character, money will not spoil it. Persons with genuine character can handle adversity and prosperity.”

[Michael Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think wealth advice from a rags to riches story like Truett Cathy is much more impactful than from someone who was born wealthy, happened upon success by chance. He is a testament to hard work and kind attitude paying off. He gives his best tips in building one of the leading private companies in the nation. From his view of keeping faith in the company, to giving generously to people and organizations that need it, he has seen his reward and shared it with those that worked with him along the way. Whether any of us reading experience great wealth or not, Truett’s takeaways in this book can inspire a more positive and responsible way of stewarding what is entrusted to us.

[Paige Gordon · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great little book that I read in a single afternoon. Truett’s story is so inspiring and the wisdom he has collected here is well worth taking the time to digest. Through his own and other’s stories, he clearly shows that if you save, spend and give it wisely, wealth is definitely worth the hard work it takes to obtain and maintain.

Favorite Quote: “The happiest people I know are those who give away their money. The saddest are those who hold their possessions in their hearts instead of their hands, or who hoard because they fear what the future may bring. “

[Scott Wozniak · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very short, simple book with an important idea: it's not about the money. Significance and satisfaction aren't about money. You can have a lot of money and none of them or vice versa.

(Note: I read this a long while ago and just noticed that I hadn't marked down that this was already something finished.)

[Lauren Press · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5✨
I love how Truett broke this book out into sections and also interviewed several people throughout the book. Explaining that wealth is worth it when you give and live gernously. As well as it doesn’t take actual wealth to give generously. You can do that without money. I love hearing about Truetts gererosity and stewardship. He truly had such a big love for others!

[Matt · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book as it really just touches on different ideas in how things can go right and wrong if you don’t view wealth in the proper context. Money itself is amoral and can be used for good or bad purposes. Truett’s stories provides examples that readers can wrap their heads around. Highly recommend for everyone to view money or wealth with the proper mindset.

[Jonathan Gregory · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great advice from a wise man. The book is too short though and could be formatted better. Everything reads like a new paragraph in the same chapter but is formatted like a new section every other page.

The answer to Cathy’s question is essentially yes if you are charitable.

[Derek VanRoekel · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this so 3 stars feels a little low, but I gave it that rating because the book is not practically helpful. The book is mostly a collection of stories from S. Truett Cathy’s life and the life of people he knows.

[Aaron Woody · Rating 5 out of 5]

These short stories, often a page or less, are best enjoyed like a devotional. Read what's on the page and then take time to consider their meaning.

Best not to consume large parts of the book at one time.

[Jaison · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good business principles recounted by a businessman with strong values. Not very memorable.

[Michele · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading about Truett Cathy in his own words.

An uplifting book about what it means to have true wealth. I highly recommend this book to everyone, rich or poor.

[Maxine Jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good advice.

[Gail Smith · Rating 2 out of 5]

Cheesy and boring.

[Nex Juice · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book, written by the founder of Chick-Fil-A, explores the good and bad sides of wealth. His argument is that it is only worth having wealth if you obtain it the “right” way, and you manage it well. Part of his idea of managing it well is giving away at least 10% of all your earnings to charity. I used to be a Christian, I used to tithe. I’m no longer religious, but I still like the idea of giving that amount of my income to others who need it more than I do. I’m very picky with charitable organizations, but I’ll aim to do more giving in 2019.

[John Gardner · Rating 3 out of 5]

Originally posted at Honey and Locusts.

Truett Cathy is one of my favorite entrepreneurs. The founder of Chick-Fil-A has certainly proven that he knows how to make a business work while holding firm to his convictions. His ventures in philanthropy and community service have been likewise successful, and he has established a name for himself as a leader of leaders. When Truett Cathy speaks, people listen!

His latest book is a collection of short stories — you can think of it as Cathy's version of the Book of Proverbs — is focused around the title's question. When so many of the ultra-rich have broken lives, is the pursuit of wealth ultimately worth it? As someone who has achieved real wealth without sacrificing his faith or his family, Cathy seems as qualified as anyone to provide some answers. In the book's introduction, Dave Ramsey calls this "the most important thing he's ever written."

I'm not so sure I agree. While I absolutely affirm Cathy's conclusions, and his advice is both practically and theologically sound, I don't think this is his best or most important work. While it's a shorter and easier read than some of his other books, there isn't a whole lot of new information in this book for those familiar with some of his others. There is a lot of overlap here with, for instance, Eat Mor Chikin, and I thought the earlier book told Cathy's story better.

That said, if you're in the mood for a quick book of practical financial wisdom, this one will fit the bill. And for those wondering what Cathy's answer to the big question is, here is a summary:

Wealth is worth it if:

1. You earn it honestly
2. You spend wisely
3. You save reasonably
4. You give generously

Wealth is not worth it if:

1. You have not worked for it
2. You spend it frivolously
3. You don't bother to save for the future
4. You are unwilling to share your wealth

Buy this book here.

P.S. - Thanks to Ben Prine, owner/operator of the Cookeville Chick-Fil-A, for providing a free copy of this book for review!

[Tim Chavel · Rating 4 out of 5]

S. Truett Cathy, the author of this book, has taught Sunday School in the town I grew up in Jonesboro, GA, for many years. Several of my high school classmates work for the corporate office in GA. I have admired Mr. Cathy for many years. He is not only a great business man but also a great Christian man. This book is his philosophy of wealth. I feel his thoughts are very close to that of the Bible. This is an easy read book. As you will see below there are quotes from lots of people. I trust you will enjoy these quotes:

Success is getting what you want; happiness is wanting what you get. ~Warren Buffett

No man can tell whether he is rich or poor by turning to his ledger. It is the heart that makes a man rich. He is rich according to what he is, not according to what he has. ~Henry Ward Beecher

To give without any reward, or any notice, has a special quality of its own. ~Anne Morrow Lindbergh

Genius is 1% inspiration and 99% perspiration. ~Thomas Edison

If it takes seven days to make a living, you ought to be doing something else. ~S. Truett Cathy

Ringing the cash register is not the name of the game. It’s only the scorekeeper, and it’s not what motivates me. I’m motivated in my business by the compliments I receive about our people, our service, and the quality of our food. ~S. Truett Cathy

Love what you do, and you’ll never work a day in your life. ~S. Truett Cathy

In most cases we perform better when we’re busy than when we’re not busy. When we’re slow, our mind wanders. We’re not as attentive to our business. When we’re on the firing line, we’re sharper. We move more quickly and get the job done right. ~S. Truett Cathy

Money never made a man happy yet, nor will it. There is nothing in its nature to produce happiness. The more a man has, the more he wants. Instead of it filling a vacuum, it makes one. ~Benjamin Franklin

If you’re excited about what you’re doing, it’s a lot more likely that your employees will also be excited. People want to work for a person, not a company. It’s about relationships. ~S. Truett Cathy

Opportunity presents itself sometimes in unusual situations. What you think is the worst thing turns out to be a good thing. Different circumstances challenge people to do things they didn’t know they could do, and in those times when the outlook appears the worst, we find new reasons for optimism. ~S. Truett Cathy

You know what ego stands for: Edging Out God! ~S. Truett Cathy

[Clifford Onehundredd · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wealth is it Worth it was definitely worth reading...found it in the library because prior to this book I was reading books on riches and wealth etc. when I came across it I didn't think I'd be that enthusiastic about it but after reading it I was really refreshed. S Truett Cathy wealthy man of Chic-Fil-A restaurant teaches moral values and actually teaches about integrity when it comes to money and he gives you the pros and cons of achieving wealth & riches. I especially love how he includes God and the scriptures in the book because that shows his good integrity and that at the end of the day we are God's people blessed in the world with many things. I also love how he advocates that 'wealth is worth it if you give',I agree I'm a very generous giver so as long as my character doesn't change ans as long as I don't lose sight of God, wealth is worth it. This book is much bigger than I thought and I really enjoyed his point of view,this breaks the stereotype that "all rich people are evil"...everyone is different and I needed to read this to see wealth and riches in a more clear perspective. I highly recommend this to anyone on their way to success as they will need this book as a preparation guide to challenge their conscience & integrity once they have acquired the lifestyle.

[Trevor Acy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Chick-Fil-A was the first place I earned a paycheck. In high school I took a position on the marketing team at a recently opened CFA in Flowood, MS. There I learned about a Christian business model (CFA is closed on Sundays), was taught the importance of respecting customers and making them happy instead of just selling your product, was introduced to humility by dressing up in a giant cow suit, and even built my relationship with incredible woman I so luckily call my girlfriend today. So when Truett Cathy writes a book about how he built his chicken empire while maintaining his humble beginnings and moral compass I picked it up and read it cover to cover in two days. Every thing I read in this book I already knew about the man behind the chicken, but having it told from the first person humanizes Cathy even more. On the back of the book there are three topics listed: Giving, Hard Work, and Integrity which sums up his keys to success and wealth perfectly. Just as my experience working for Truett will stick with me my entire life, this little book will be with me on all my future business bookshelves.

A fantastic short read on one of America's most fantastic businessmen.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an inspiring book. I would recommend it to anyone who runs a company, has a job, manages money, or those who are looking for their calling in life.

[Megan · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was offered by my church as part of a series on wealth. It is a tiny (but expensive) book full of short one page stories and anecdotes. I was very disappointed! The stories are good, but this is step one to writing a book... Not the final product! The author, who admittedly is not an author, needed to take all of these random thoughts and stories and gather them into a larger, more developed book! I found myself wondering if anyone other than a super rich, semi-famous person showed up with this manuscript at a publishers, if they wouldn't have very quickly been shown the door! The true question here is "is this book worth it?" With a resounding "NO" for reply!

[Christopher Lewis Kozoriz · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Love what you do, and you'll never work another day in your life." ~ S. Truett Cathy

Written by the founder of Chick-Fil-A a popular chicken sandwich fast food chain mainly known in the United States.

Truett raises the question of "Wealth Is It It Worth It?" He shares why wealth is not worth it if it is to please self, but is well worth it if is used to meet the needs of others in intelligent ways.

[Martha Weaver · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an easy read with great stories from a man who worked extremely hard and with integrity to build his business and life. We all could learn from his wisdom and I hope more people will be as humble as he is about their wealth and be more willing to share it with those in need. Inspirational for sure!!

[Spencer Jackson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Truett Cathy's experiences are something to marvel. Humble upbringing where he lived in government housing projects to many years spent working to run his single restaurant. Many years later he starts and grows Chik-fil-a. A man of faith and strong character who has seen first hand the power can have, both good and evil. A short, interesting read with many nuggets to take away.

[Ifeoma · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think this book was an interesting read although I was put off by the design of the book and thought it quite cheeky. I quite agree with the general point of view that its worth it if is used for the benefit of humanity. An interesting point for me was the honest and willingness to share some of his life experiences in a frank way.

[Jenny T · Rating 3 out of 5]

"Money is a claim check on other people's products or services."

"Success is getting what you want; happiness is wanting what you get."

"If a man can sleep at night not worrying about how he'll pay his bills, he is a wealthy man."

Bottom line: wealth is good if you give it away.

Good, quick read.