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Richest Man

  R Richest Man in Babylon

My #1 Book Recommendation


If you have known me for some time and you ask about finances or what has helped me in the past to get better and my finances, then nine times out of ten I recommended reading The Richest Man in Babylon by George S. Clason.

The reason for that is this book helped me get out of one of the moments in my life when I was broke broke and as John Legend said "Had to go to my moms house to make a phone call." Also the format of the book is in story form which helps teens and adults remember the concepts better. 


Here is a short summary of the principles in the book and I pray you find yourself at a 2nd hand bookstore or Amazon purchasing this book for you and your family. 


Set in ancient Babylon, it presents timeless principles of wealth accumulation through a series of engaging parables and stories. The book revolves around the character of Arkad, the richest man in Babylon, who shares his wisdom and financial acumen with a group of eager learners. Arkad's teachings are encapsulated in a set of fundamental principles that serve as a guide to achieving financial success.

The first and most crucial principle is "Start thy purse to fattening." This principle emphasizes the importance of saving a portion of one's income consistently. Arkad advises that one should set aside at least 10% of their earnings before spending on other expenses. This practice ensures a growing reserve of capital over time.

The second principle is "Make thy gold multiply." Arkad stresses the significance of putting saved money to work through wise investments. He encourages individuals to seek out opportunities that offer a reasonable return on investment and to avoid ventures they do not fully understand. In essence, he advocates for careful and informed investment decisions.

The third principle, "Let thy money work for thee," builds upon the second. Arkad suggests that individuals should put their money to work in ventures that generate passive income. By allowing one's investments to generate additional income, they can further accelerate their wealth-building journey.

The fourth principle, "Guard thy treasures from loss," highlights the importance of protecting one's wealth. Arkad advises against risky investments and warns against trusting others blindly with one's hard-earned money. Diversification and prudence are key to minimizing the potential for financial loss.

The fifth principle is "Make of thy dwelling a profitable investment." Arkad recommends that individuals consider their living arrangements as investments rather than mere expenses. Owning a home or property can be a valuable asset that appreciates over time, provided it is maintained and managed wisely.

The sixth principle is "Ensure a future income." Arkad stresses the necessity of preparing for retirement and unforeseen circumstances. He encourages individuals to establish a financial safety net, such as investments or savings, that will continue to provide income even when they can no longer work actively.

The final principle, "Increase thy ability to earn," underscores the importance of continuous self-improvement. Arkad advocates for investing in one's skills and knowledge to increase earning potential. By expanding one's abilities, they can command a higher income and achieve greater financial success.

Throughout the book, these principles are illustrated through stories of ordinary people facing financial challenges in ancient Babylon. These relatable tales demonstrate how individuals can transform their financial situations by applying Arkad's wisdom.

In summary, "The Richest Man in Babylon" imparts invaluable financial lessons through a captivating narrative set in ancient times. The principles of saving, investing wisely, protecting wealth, and self-improvement remain as relevant today as they were in Babylonian times, making this book a timeless guide to achieving financial prosperity.


Think, Live, and Be Unstoppable!            

- The Emotional Trader

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