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The Richest Man in Babylon: Three Life Lessons That Still Matter Today
Ageless wisdom from George S. Glason
It’s been nearly a century since The Richest Man in Babylon was first published, and yet its wisdom rings louder today than ever. George S. Clason didn’t write a textbook. He told stories — simple, memorable parables set in ancient Babylon that still teach us how to think about money, discipline, and life itself.
I first read the book decades ago. It’s one of those books that hits you where it counts: the heart and soul. Why? Because it cuts through the noise. The world has always been full of financial hype, complicated jargon, and get-rich-quick schemes.
Clason’s wisdom is refreshingly clear and grounded. Here are three lessons from The Richest Man in Babylon that have shaped my life and the lives of those I’ve mentored. They still apply to anyone regardless of age.
Pay yourself first
This is the golden rule of wealth creation. In the book, Arkad, the richest man in Babylon, teaches that we should save at least 10 percent of everything we earn. Before paying the bills, before buying that new gadget or taking that trip, we set aside a portion for ourselves.
“Start thy purse to fattening,” he says.
