The Richest Man In Babylon Summary – By George S. Clason

Have you ever wondered why some people are more successful than others at acquiring wealth? Is it because they are frugal and invest every penny they save in their mattresses, while others waste their money on a variety of trinkets?

πŸ’β€β™€οΈ Not to worry! In this book: The Richest Man in Babylon summary, you’ll find all the answers you need today. Due to the quick changes in modern society, very few books on financial management have been referenced for a long time and for several generations. And one of them is the book “The Richest Man in Babylon” by author George S. Clason.

πŸš€ Without further ado, Let’s dive in……….

The Richest Man In Babylon book with summary heading

πŸ‘‰  One Line Sentence Summary πŸ’‘

The Richest Man in Babylon is a timeless parable by serial entrepreneur and author George S. Clason about how to make, keep, and multiply money.

πŸ‘‰  What Lessons Can You Learn from the Book “The Richest Man in Babylon”

The Richest Man in Babylon summary reveals crucial financial principles that are the secret to achieving personal wealth and is hailed as the definitive guide through your financial problems.

The Richest Man in Babylon uses parables set 8,000 years ago in ancient Babylonia with a protagonist named Arkad to teach us seven financial rules.

Arkad began his journey as a meagre scribe but ultimately rose to the position of the richest man in Babylon. By using information and comprehending interesting stories, 

The Richest Man in Babylon will put you on a sure path to prosperity and its accompanying joys.

πŸ‘‰  Basic Story of The Richest Man in Babylon Summary (In Short)

When Babylon was at its height of prosperity, it was a city of many homes, palaces, and long and wide ramparts. The desert used to cover this area. But with hard work and perseverance, the locals transformed this desolate area into a productive agricultural area.

The author used a series of fables to illustrate the unchangeable rules of finance and how to become wealthy as a result of the success of Babylon. All banks, insurance companies, and even business owners are familiar with these regulations.

They view this as a lesson for staff members about the advantages of frugality and diligence. The book’s advice will not only help you understand the value of money but will also show you how to apply sound financial practices to create, save, and increase your income.

Although Kobbi and Bansir are two poor friends, they are constantly aware of and yearn for wealth. They sought the counsel of Babylon’s richest man as a result, asking him for tips on how to become wealthy.

From this point on, Clason has revealed an age-old proverb and a tried-and-true formula for success: “If you want to be rich, you must learn from successful people.”

πŸ‘‰  11 Lessons You Must Learn From This Book: The Richest Man in Babylon Summary

1. Spend Less Than You Make | Save & Invest The Difference

Although it seems so obvious, common sense isn’t always used. The majority of young people I encounter have freely acknowledged that they spend every penny of each paycheck.

The thing that aggravates me the most is one of my pet peeves. They often complain and wish for more money, but I know deep down that they won’t become wealthy because they will just spend it all, leaving nothing in the bank.

2. Use Your Savings To Earn More

β€œMake thy gold multiply.”

One of the fundamental principles of building wealth is probably best expressed in classics like Rich Dad, and Poor Dad. This is well explained by Shark Tank’s Kevin O’Leary. Every dollar, in his mind, is like a little soldier. His daily goal is to seize more soldiers and put them to work seizing additional soldiers.

Most people spend that money on items that rust, rot, or become worthless over time. These can be any type of building, vehicle, piece of clothing, boat, watch, jewellery, or another item. By doing that, you’re enriching someone else.

What do smart people do? Every dollar they are able to save is being used to purchase items that will increase their income.

A basketball player might spend it on basketball lessons, a programmer might spend it on specialised programming in-person training, and a businessman might spend it on a small business that will increase his income.

A basketball player might spend it on basketball lessons, a programmer might spend it on specialised programming in-person training, and a businessman might spend it on a small business that will increase his income. Keep reading this article to the book: The Richest Man in Babylon summary to know how you grow your money wisely with right guidance & strategies.

3. Only Take Advice From Expert In That Field

β€œGold clingeth to the protection of the cautious owner who invests it under the advice of men wise in its handling.”

Even though it is a less well-known law of wealth and business, this one is absolutely essential. Why? Because investments that seem too good to be true usually are, you should avoid them. If you invest with people who tell you what you want to hear but know very little about the business, you will lose money. Your money is effectively lost if you make foolish investments.

Only heed the counsel of industry leaders. Take any additional advice with a grain of salt. Everyone enjoys offering counsel. 

Find a business or jewellery expert who has earned a lot of money (and can prove it). It may seem obvious, but you’d be surprised at how many people actually take this advice. Although many successful people do take advice, they don’t always heed it to the letter.

They will pay attention to anyone who appears wealthy, sounds successful, hosts a popular podcast, or has earned at least six figures.

I’ve been picking and choosing who I listen to for advice more and more lately. I evaluate the people I listen to based on their high relevance, credibility, and outcomes. It is inappropriate for a millionaire who made his money in real estate to advise me on the shoe business.

4. To Avoid Losing Money, Only Invest In Fields & Skills That You Are Well-Versed In

The saying goes, “Gold slippeth away from the man who invests it in businesses or purposes with which he is not acquainted or which are not approved by those who are skilled in its keeping.” In keeping with the preceding point, you should only invest in sectors of the economy that you are familiar with.

Consider the scenario where you have little experience with real estate. Because it’s easy for people to mislead you or for factors you didn’t consider to deplete your investment, investing money in it is like throwing it out the window. Keep reading this article to the book: The Richest Man in Babylon summary to know how you grow your money wisely with right guidance & strategies.

5. Don’t Wish For Lump Sum Of Cash. Instead, Work To Achieve A Consistent Cash Flow

People hope to be fortunate and win the lottery. However, any lump sum of money you win will eventually equal zero, leaving you penniless once more. In actuality, a lot of lottery winners spend their entire winnings in a single year. And their levels of happiness return to zero.

The most absurd thing is that, usually, they’re in the same condition as when they first arrived: their lifestyle, fashion, and other aspects are all remarkably unchanged. They didn’t manage their money wisely or have a money mindset, so they made purchases that will eventually be worthless.

Let’s say you win $1 million. Half or most of it can be blown through by a few cars and one house. People start overestimating their winnings and begin to fulfil the requests of their friends and family.

Instead of doing this, you should strive to develop a system that consistently increases your income. What matters is not how much you have, but how much you keep and continue to earn in the future.

For the wise owner who finds profitable employment for it, gold works diligently and contentedly, multiplying like the flocks of the field.

If you continue to question whether something said many years ago is still relevant, I have the ideal illustration for you:

I was watching Shark Tank when Kevin O’Leary, one of the millionaire businessmen, began to yell. Another naive would-be entrepreneur had confessed to having lost all of his money.

Kevin begins by describing how he views money. He claims to treat each dollar like a soldier. He commands his troops to “bring back prisoners” from battle (more dollars). He aspires to have more soldiers each night than the one before.

Though it seems so simple, the majority of people never give it any thought. They spend their money on things like clothing, sweets, or food that will never make them any more money.

Instead, make an investment in your abilities, worthwhile businesses, or opportunities to make money. Treat your money like a soldier who will bring you more money.

6. If You Use Your Money Foolishly, You Will Lose It

The actual quote from this Law is as follows:

β€œGold flees the man who would force it to impossible earnings or who followeth the alluring advice of tricksters and schemers or who trusts it to his own inexperience and romantic desires in investment”

This basically means that if you invest or use money in companies or people who aren’t skilled at a task that you aren’t familiar with, you will lose it. You will lose money if you try to work too hard to earn money in a nearly impossible way.

You will lose money if you fall for con artists. You will lose money if you spend or use it based solely on your own inexperience or emotional whims. Keep reading this article to the book: The Richest Man in Babylon summary to know how you grow your money wisely with right guidance & strategies.

7. You Won’t Even Notice A Difference In Your Standard Of Living If You Set Aside 10% Of Your Income

First, pay yourself. This means that you should set aside 10% of your income for saving and investing before you spend any of it.

You immediately give away your money by paying rent, buying food, or purchasing things you don’t need, so it isn’t really yours to keep.

The book makes a profound point: You won’t even notice the difference if you start with 10% hidden. There will be no discernible difference in your quality of life. Surprisingly, you will discover how to survive without it.

8. Consider Increasing Your Earning Capability

πŸ€”πŸ€·β€β™€οΈ  Exactly what does that mean?

It implies that you should invest time (or money) to increase your knowledge, abilities, and capacity to generate more income. I firmly believe that there is a wealth-related golden truth that is crucial but perpetually disregarded, so pay attention:

Most people stop learning when they graduate from college, which is usually around age 21. Others have a lifetime of learning.

They continue to grow and learn until they pass away at the age of 90. Over time, this gives them a significant advantage. While the typical worker watches TV after work, does nothing to better himself, and lets his or her brain rot, you can advance in life by making small improvements to yourself every day.

One of the greatest investors in history, John Templeton, wrote a book titled 21 Secrets of Success and Happiness, and this was one of his secrets. Keep reading this article to the book: The Richest Man in Babylon summary to know how you grow your money wisely with right guidance & strategies.

9. You’ll Lose Money If Greed Ruins Your Judgement

There is a distinction between having lofty goals and allowing your greed to guide your actions. With just $1000, you can launch a multibillion-dollar enterprise. It has already been done. There have been worse things done.

However, that does not imply that you should believe anyone who claims to be able to get you a “magic return of millions with a one-time investment.” That is a con. Many of the billionaires I have researched, including Sam Walton and Warren Buffett, have always exhibited extreme caution when making investments.

Instead of rushing into an opportunity with a risky downside, they would prefer to build slowly.

β€œGold flees the man who would force it to impossible earnings or who followeth the alluring advice of tricksters and schemers or who trusts it to his own inexperience and romantic desires in investment.”

Be cautious! When someone assures you of something with unbelievable returns, it seems too good to be true. While not always, scams do happen occasionally.

10. Until You Make Wise Investments, You Don’t Own What You Make

The phrase “what you earn is not yours to keep” is mentioned in the book. It basically means that just because you earned $100 doesn’t mean that it belongs to you because you spent it right away on things (rent, toys, clothes, etc.). In actuality, they can keep it.

Instead, immediately take 10% off the top and put it aside into an income-generating system that you own forever and that continues to make money for you to keep (like a lemonade stand or McDonald’s).

11. Action-Takers Are More Fortunate Because They Create Their Own Luck

Don’t take this to mean that you can increase your gambling and increase your income.

 In reality, he is saying that people who actually apply what they learn (as opposed to simply memorising it) are more likely to experience luck. You will have more opportunities and come across as luckier to others if you are making every effort to slant the odds in your favour. 

I came across a fantastic quote from one of the top golfers in the world that goes well with this. He said: β€œThe harder I practice, the luckier I get.” -Gary Player

πŸ‘‰  BONUS: The 7 Cures Of A Lean Purse Illustrates The Ways To Achieve Prosperity

#1: Start thy purse to fattening

Put aside at least 10% of your income. Avoid the temptation to use any of that 10% to satisfy smaller, more immediate desires. In the big picture, keep an eye on your finances.

#2: Control thy expenditures 

As much as you can, try to keep your expenses from rising as your income does. Don’t confuse desires with necessary costs. Examine your spending patterns and note any expenses that can be cut back or eliminated (make a budget).

β€œWhat each of us calls our β€œnecessary expenses” will always grow to equal our incomes unless we protest to the contrary.”

#3: Make thy gold multiply

Put your money to work, along with any interest or profit. Accept the influence of compound interest.

β€œA man’s wealth is not in the coins he carries in his purse; it is the income he buildeth, the golden stream that continually floweth into his purse and keepeth it always bulging.”

#4: Guard thy treasures from loss 

Before spending any money, do your research. Avoid falling for get-rich-quick schemes. Become familiar with the dangers. Consult those who have a track record of success. safeguard the principal. Keep reading this article to the book: The Richest Man in Babylon summary to know how you grow your money wisely with right guidance & strategies.

#5: Make of thy dwelling a profitable investment 

Instead of renting, buy a house. The owner of a home receives blessings. Having this will help you immensely in easily achieving your goals. You can use this money to support one of your business investments rather than pay your landlord’s rent.

#6: Insure a future income 

retirement investment Plan ahead for the needs of your family and aged parents. Nobody is able to foresee what will happen in the future.

You must make firm plans for unforeseen deaths or accidents that might impair your ability to work. Your family and those who depend on you will be fine if you make wise future plans.

#7: Increase thy ability to earn

To increase income, increase knowledge. Develop your skills, learn, and mature. Carefully consider your desires. You should continue to learn no matter your age. What you learn has a direct impact on how much money you can make. There is a cap on the amount you can save, but there is no cap on the amount you can earn.

β€œDesires must be simple and definite. They defeat their own purpose should they be too many, too confusing, or beyond a man’s training to accomplish.

πŸ‘‰ Other Key Themes πŸ‘ˆ

πŸ“Œ  Saving & investing is typically a gradual process:

β€œWealth that stayeth to give enjoyment and satisfaction to its owner comes gradually because it is a child born of knowledge and persistent purpose.”

πŸ“Œ  Better a little caution than great regret: 

Help others, but make sure you’re not burdening yourself in the process. Be mindful of how emotions can impair a person’s ability to make sound financial decisions. Don’t stake everything on uncertain endeavours. You know what your risk profile is.

πŸ“Œ  Associate with proven success: 

Associate with people who know how to budget and invest, and take notes from them. Be wary of advice from people who lack a track record of achievement and reward. Keep reading this article to the book: The Richest Man in Babylon summary to know how you grow your money wisely with the right guidance & strategies.

πŸ‘‰  BONUS: The 5 Laws of Gold

  1. Save at least 10% of your income: β€œGold cometh gladly and in increasing quantity to any man who will put by not less than one-tenth of his earnings to create an estate for his future and that of his family.”
  1. Put your money to work – β€œGold laboreth diligently and contentedly for the wise owner who finds for it profitable employment, multiplying even as the flocks of the field.”
  1. Be patient & take long-term vision– β€œGold clingeth to the protection of the cautious owner who invests it under the advice of men wise in its handling.”
  1. Invest only in what you understand deeply – β€œGold slippeth away from the man who invests it in businesses or purposes with which he is not familiar or which are not approved by those skilled in its keep.”
  1. Remember: avoid get-rich-quick schemes – β€œGold flees the man who would force it to impossible earnings or who followeth the alluring advice of tricksters and schemers or who trusts it to his own inexperience and romantic desires in investment.”

πŸ‘‰  Noteworthy Quotations From The Book: The Richest Man In Babylon    

πŸ’°  Regarding persistence and debt repayment:

β€œWhere the determination is, the way can be found.”

πŸ’°  On the risk of emotion in financial decisions:

β€œHumans in the throes of great emotions are not safe risks for the gold lender.”

πŸ’°  Regarding the significance of action:

β€œGood luck can be enticed by accepting the opportunity.”

πŸ’°  To make money work and understand compound interest:

β€œEvery gold piece you save is a slave to work for you. Every copper it earns is its child that also can earn for you. If you would become wealthy, then what you save must earn, and its children must earn, that all may help to give you the abundance you crave.”

πŸ’°  Quote On saving:

β€œI found the road to wealth when I decided that part of all I earned was mine to keep. And so will you.”

πŸ’°  On building wealth:

β€œWealth, like a tree, grows from a tiny seed. The first copper you save is the seed from which your tree of wealth shall grow. The sooner you plant that seed the sooner shall the tree grow. And the more faithfully you nourish and water that tree with consistent savings, the sooner may you bask in contentment beneath its shade.”

πŸ’°  On advice:

β€œAdvice is one thing that is freely given away, but watch that you take only what is worth having.”

πŸ’°  On opportunity:

β€œOpportunity is a haughty goddess who wastes no time with those who are unprepared.”

πŸ‘‰  Conclusion: Enhance Your Wealth Strategy To The Next Level (The Richest Man In Babylon Summary *In Short*)

Spending as little as possible, saving for investments and investing in yourself so you can take advantage of financial opportunities as they present themselves are the keys to building wealth.

You must consider your money as a tree if you want to become wealthy. From a seed, trees grow slowly and require light and water to thrive. Your money tree will be fed by these seven remedies.

Having said that, they need to work hard and consistently to help your tree grow. Lay out a sensible strategy and adhere to your financial plan. If you follow these steps and put in a lot of effort, you will amass money surprisingly quickly.

Feel free to comment below and let others know what you have learned from this book summary.

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