Book Review: The Richest Man in Babylon
I recently checked out The Richest Man in Babylon from the Petersburg Public Library.
This classic book was written nearly 100 years ago and is set in ancient Babylon. Because of that, it uses an older, more formal tone. You’ll find phrases like “Control thy expenditures” and “Make thy gold multiply,” which give it a philosophical, almost biblical feel.
In the chapter The Man Who Desired Gold, I could instantly relate to the main character’s emotions. He was talented and capable, yet felt financially stuck—something many of us understand. He watched others build wealth, even served them as customers, while remaining caught in a cycle. It wasn’t envy. It was an honest, personal question:
How do I grow from here? What is my solution?
That chapter pulled me in, and from that point on, I was invested in finding answers too.
In the next chapter, Arkad—the richest man in Babylon—shares an important truth about building wealth:
“I decided that if I was to achieve what I desired, time and study would be required.”
That quote sets the tone for the rest of the book. What follows is a series of parables filled with timeless, practical advice—told through the voices of Babylonian merchants, workers, and wise men.
Core Lessons
The first lesson? Earn a consistent income.
(Think of it today as securing a reliable job or contract with steady pay—not inconsistent side gigs or social media earnings.)
The second lesson? Pay yourself first.
No matter what you earn—whether it’s fifty dollars or fifty thousand—Clason advises saving at least 10% before spending anything else. Then, live on the remaining 90% as if the other 10% never existed. This simple habit builds wealth over time.
A Mindset Shift
Saving for yourself is just as important as giving or spending. In many communities, we’re taught to be generous, but not always to secure our own future. Prioritizing your financial well-being requires a mindset shift. It’s also a major step toward building a legacy.
Arkad puts it plainly:
“You have either failed to learn the laws that govern the building of wealth, or you do not observe them.”
He makes it clear—these are the only two reasons why a person hasn’t yet built wealth.
From there, the book continues with more insights, shared through stories and conversations. Arkad describes how he built his fortune through discipline, consistent saving, and smart investing. He even uses the metaphor of money becoming your “slave”—a tool that works for you, not the other way around.
The Seven Cures
One especially helpful section is The Seven Cures for a Lean Purse. These are straightforward, practical steps to help anyone turn around an empty wallet and move toward financial security. And they still apply today.
There’s real treasure in this book. The financial lessons it teaches are just as useful now as they were in ancient Babylon.
Best of all? You can find it at the Petersburg Public Library.
If you’re serious about improving your financial literacy, come check it out—or find a similar title. You’ll be glad you did.
– Raleigh Desper
