I would recommend reading "How to get rich" by Felix Dennis. He had a sense of a humour, but was quite wise too.
That probably depends on what one wants to do, but some people do suggest that being ruthless is the ultimate way. Example: http://www.amazon.com/How-Get-Rich-Greatest-Entrepreneurs/dp... Point is, if one is not willing to do whatever it takes, he probably doesn't really want to do the said thing, but rather tries to live up to social expectations.
Felix Dennis (†2014) What’s It Like Then, Being Rich? What’s it like then, being rich, Knitting gold to warm an itch? Very much like being poor; Wealth is just a key — no more. Why not share this magic key To luxury — and start with me! Surely better that you earn it; Could I trust you to return it? How does one become your ilk? Is it bred in mothers’ milk? Many paths can lead to riches, Few in sunlight, most in ditches. Wherein lies the difference From us — this odd ambivalence? Envy, malice, obligations;…
+1 for Felix Dennis & How to Get Rich. Holds a permanent place of honor on my bed-stand. He shares his steps and missteps on his way to becoming a self-made bill-eee-on-air. Owes much of his success to negotiation. Fun read.
Here is an extract of it: http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/article1084093.ece?pri... and the review of the book here at HN: http://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=283983.
How to Get Rich, by Felix Dennis A lot of the book is biographical, but that part is very entertaining. Dennis is very upfront about drive, sacrifice, and luck required. Definitely not warm and fuzzy.
i've read both and imo they are just what you're lookig for, especially How to get rich by Dennis Felix.
How to get Rich - by Felix Dennis He writes in a direct, no-nonsense way about how he made his millions and he appears to honestly reflect on both the positive and negative results of his wealth. The title betrays the content slightly as it is more about how he got rich.
How To Get Rich - Felix Dennis Accidental Genius - Mark Levy
It's a hilarious book but it's not too thick on good advice, the most actionable bits boil down to 'be ruthless'. Felix Dennis rode a wave and rode it well, there are more Felix Dennises in the world (every European country had their own it seems), so it was more a matter of place and time than anything in particular about Felix Dennis. I found his take on being wealthy very refreshing, for that reason alone it is a good book to read. But do pirate it, wasting money on books with titles such as 'How to get rich' is counter to the writers wishes ;)