The Richest Man in Babylon (Original Classic Edition)

by George S. Clason

“Didst ever hear of the farmer of Nineveh who could understand the language of animals?

to borrowing and lending there is more than the passing of gold from the hands of one to the hands of another.

“This farmer, who could understand what the animals said to each other, did linger in the farm yard each evening just to listen to their words. One evening he did hear the ox bemoaning to the ass the hardness of his lot: ‘I do labor pulling the plow from morning until night. No matter how hot the day, or how tired my legs, or how the bow doth chafe my neck, still must I work. But you are a creature of leisure. You are trapped with a colorful blanket and do nothing more than carry our master about where he wishes to go. When he goes nowhere you do rest and eat the green grass all the day.’ “Now the ass, in spite of his vicious heels, was a goodly fellow and sympathized with the ox. ‘My good friend, he replied, ‘you do work very hard and I would help ease your lot. Therefore, will I tell you how you may have a day of rest. In the morning when the slave comes to fetch you to the plow, lie upon the ground and bellow much that he may say you are sick and cannot work.’ “So the ox took the advice of the ass and the next morning the slave returned to the farmer and told him the ox was sick and could not pull the plow. “Then,’ said the farmer, “hitch the ass to the plow for the plowing must go on.’ “All that day the ass, who had only intended to help his friend, found himself compelled to do the ox’s task. When night came and he was released from the plow his heart was bitter and his legs were weary and his neck was sore where the bow had chafed it. “The farmer lingered in the barn...

If you desire to help thy friend, do so in a way that will not bring thy friend’s burdens upon thyself.”

“The safest loans, my token box tells me, are to those whose possessions are of more value than the one they desire. They own lands, or jewels, or camels, or other things which could be sold to repay the loan.

“In another class are those who have the capacity to earn.

humans in the throes of great emotions are not safe risks for the gold lender.

“Gold, you see, Rodan, is the merchandise of the lender of money. It is easy to lend. If it is lent unwisely then it is difficult to get back. The wise lender wishes not the risk of the undertaking but the guarantee of safe repayment.

gold slippeth away in unexpected ways from those unskilled in guarding it.

Better a Little Caution than a Great Regret

In this day, behind the impregnable walls of insurance, savings accounts and dependable investments, we can guard ourselves against the unexpected tragedies that may enter any door and seat themselves before any fireside.

We Cannot Afford to be Without Adequate Protection

Ill fortune pursues every man who thinks more of borrowing than of repaying.

he who spends more than he earns is sowing the winds of needless self-indulgence from which he is sure to reap the whirlwinds of trouble and humiliation.

the soul of a free man looks at life as a series of problems to be solved and solves them,

Where the Determination Is, The Way Can Be Found

one-tenth of all I earn shall be set aside as my own to keep.

seven-tenths of all I earn shall be used to provide a home, clothes to wear, and food to eat, with a bit extra to spend, that our lives be not lacking in pleasure and enjoyment.

two-tenths of all I have earned shall be divided honourably and fairly among those who have trusted me and to whom I am indebted.

I like to work and I like to do good work, for work is the best friend I’ve ever known. It has brought me all the good things I’ve had, my farm and cows and crops, everything.’

work, well-done, does good to the man who does it. It makes him a better man.’

Decide what thou desirest to accomplish and then work will aid thee to achieve it!’