While looking through an old cookbook (prompted by another thread here) I found this quote, which I thought I might pass on to you (preaching to the choir, I know, but thought some might find it interesting). It is from my facsimile edition of "Mrs Beeton's Book of Household Management", first published between 1859 and 1861 in monthly supplements in an English magazine.
"Frugality and Economy are Home Virtues, without which no household can prosper. Dr Johnson says: "Frugality may be termed the daughter of Prudence, the sister of Temperance, and the Parent of Liberty. He that is extravagant will quickly become poor, and poverty will enforce dependence and invite corruption." The necessity of practicing economy should be evident to every one, whether in the possession of an income no more than sufficient for a family's requirements, or of a large fortune, which puts financial adversity out of the question. We must always remember that it is a great merit in housekeeping to manage a little well. "He is a good waggoner," says Bishop Hall, "that can turn in a little room. To live well in abundance is the praise of the estate, not of the person. I will study more how to give a good account of my little, than how to make it more." In this there is true wisdom, and it may be added, that those who can manage a little well, are more likely to succeed in their management of larger matters. Economy and frugality must never, however, be allowed to degenerate into parsimony and meanness."
"Frugality and Economy are Home Virtues, without which no household can prosper. Dr Johnson says: "Frugality may be termed the daughter of Prudence, the sister of Temperance, and the Parent of Liberty. He that is extravagant will quickly become poor, and poverty will enforce dependence and invite corruption." The necessity of practicing economy should be evident to every one, whether in the possession of an income no more than sufficient for a family's requirements, or of a large fortune, which puts financial adversity out of the question. We must always remember that it is a great merit in housekeeping to manage a little well. "He is a good waggoner," says Bishop Hall, "that can turn in a little room. To live well in abundance is the praise of the estate, not of the person. I will study more how to give a good account of my little, than how to make it more." In this there is true wisdom, and it may be added, that those who can manage a little well, are more likely to succeed in their management of larger matters. Economy and frugality must never, however, be allowed to degenerate into parsimony and meanness."