The Richest Man in Babylon: And How This Book Has Blessed my Life

The name of Babylon will ever live in infamy to the religious because it represents the wickedness of  
the world, but George Samuel Clason made some very interesting commentary on why he decided to use Babylon as the back drop for his modern parable. He pointed out that Babylon’s location in the desert was very unsuitable for the seat of an empire and therefore was built entirely because of wise men in the art of handling money. This setting suggests that any person who chooses despite their economic status will become wealth like a lonesome city in a far away desert can. The book’s entire purpose is to make a person wealth by making a person wise.

I have read this book at least three times in my life, the most recent time being this past July. I want very much to internalize the principles of gold. The book is replete with colorful characters like The Luckiest Man in Babylon: Sharru Nada. In the story he teaches his young, spendthrift friend how he went from being a slave to being in the top ten percent. Ultimately it wasn’t luck that propelled his rise from slavery but a willingness and a passion for hard work and business. When the goddess of luck appeared, he was prepared to follow. This lesson has been a guide-stone for me in my life. It taught me that even in the most degenerate circumstances a man can work and learn his way to victory!

This has helped me through difficult parts of my life where I needed to grow and progress. It had given me a fighting spirit when things have looked their toughest. This principle will be carried with me into the future. Life’s rain falls on everyone, but he who loves work and wisdom will succeed despite the storm. Every principle in this old book is a gem. I can’t imagine what the world would look like if every person were to truly understand the laws of gold. I imagine it could be very dangerous. Henry Ford once said that "It is well enough that people of the nation do not understand our banking and monetary system, for if they did, I believe there would be a revolution before tomorrow morning.” I think that is very true. I believe that the world would change, and become a better place if even a single person were to really learn what the Richest Man in Babylon has to offer. 

The Richest Man in Babylon, by George Samuel Clason: ISBN-13: 978-1505339116

 Chapter 10