The richest man in Babylon summary PDF + Quotes
Written in 1926, The Richest Man in Babylon is a book of timeless personal finance principles, told in the form of short stories based on the “Babylonian parables”.
Most of the parables centre around Arkad, the richest man in Babylon, and his teachings. Despite spending liberally and giving generously to charity, Arkad seemed to have an endless amount of gold and his wealth kept growing.
Each of the 8 stories helps to explain and reinforce the key wealth principles that he adopted, and how others could likewise apply them. We’ve consolidated the insights from the fables into 8 key tips or financial principles:
- Pay Yourself First
- Live within Your Means
- Make your Money Work for You
- Protect your Wealth
- Make your Home a Profitable Investment
- Secure your Future Income
- Invest in Yourself
- Get Luck on Your Side
Quotes
#1 “Advice is one thing that is freely given away, but watch that you only take what is worth having.”
#2 “I found the road to wealth when I decided that a part of all I earned was mine to keep. And so will you.”
#3 Money is plentiful for those who understand the simple laws which govern its acquisition.”
#4 “If you desire to help thy friend, do so in a way that will not bring thy friend’s burdens upon thyself.”
#5 “Money makes possible the enjoyment of the best the earth affords.”
#6 “A part of all I earn is mine to keep.’ Say it in the morning when you first arise. Say it at noon. Say it at night. Say it each hour of every day. Say it to yourself until the words stand out like letters of fire across the sky.”
#7 “Good luck can be enticed by accepting opportunity.”
#8 “Gold cometh gladly and in increasing quantity to any man who will put no less than one-tenth of his earnings to create an estate for his future and that of his family.”
#9 “Our acts can be no wiser than our thoughts, Our thinking can be no wiser than our understanding.”
#10 “It costs nothing to ask wise advice from a good friend.”