Paul the Peddler

Horatio Alger Jr. (January 13, 1832 – July 18, 1899) was an American author celebrated for his young adult novels that chronicled the ascent of impoverished boys from humble beginnings to lives of middle-class security and comfort through good works and virtuous behavior. His writings, which gained prominence during the Gilded Age, are best known for their "rags-to-riches" narratives that have had a lasting impact on American culture. Alger's stories consistently feature a teenage protagonist who improves his circumstances through characteristics such as hard work, honesty, charity, and altruism. While there is a popular "Horatio Alger myth" suggesting these boys became wealthy solely through hard work, it is more accurate to say that their diligence and virtuous behavior often led to them being noticed and presented with opportunities. These fortuitous events, such as returning a large sum of lost money or rescuing someone from an overturned carriage, combined with their steadfast character, enabled their success. This narrative continues to resonate, illustrating the timeless value of integrity and perseverance in achieving success.