Business Advice from the greats - The Medici

The Medici family were the first truly international bankers of the modern age. They built their business and power base from humble beginnings and there was one bit of advice that was passed on by every generation of the Medici.

Be attentive, to your conduct, and confide in others too little rather than too much. There is one rule which I would recommend to your attention in preference to all others. Rise early in the morning.

This will not only contribute to your health, but will enable you to arrange and expedite the business of the day.

Lorenzo de Medici (1449-1492) was the unofficial ruler of Florence from 1469 until his death. He was

a humanist, arts patron - and a skillful politician. In 1489 he manages to have his son Giovanni made

a cardinal, at the age of 14. Giovanni later ruled as Pope Leo X (reigned 1513-1521) and was also a

patron of the arts. In the letter quoted, Lorenzo, warns his son also to avoid vice and luxury.

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