The Richest Man In Babylon - Original Edition

by George S. Clason

Gold bringeth unto its possessor responsibility and a changed position with his fellow men.

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

I do not discourage borrowing gold. I encourage it. I recommend it if it be for a wise purpose.

How does he judge what is wise investment of borrowed gold?

I would say, 'What knowledge have you of the ways of trade?

"Calm thyself, good merchant," the guard responded. "The walls of Babylon are strong. Go back to the bazaar and tell your wife that the walls will protect you and all of your possessions as safely as they protect the rich treasures of the king. Keep close to the walls, lest the arrows flying over strike you!"

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.

The hungrier one becomes, the clearer one's mind works—

What a timely line to see! The hungrier one is the clearer their mind is. Sherlock says the same thing. The senses become refined when you starve them.

For two whole days he had tasted no food except two small figs

Fasting for a specific purpose. In order to solve a problem. What problem could I solve through starving?

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

I took the occasion to thank her for her intercession and also to tell her that I was not a slave by birth, but the son of a freeman,

He shares with her his story. I am not a slave, he says. And even though he looked it to her, she began to see him different. Sharing his story with her, freed himself. And her words in response drove the slave from within him. But it started with sharing his story. Even though I look like a slave, I'm a free man.

'How can you call yourself a free man when your weakness has brought you to this? If a man has in himself the soul of a slave will he not become one no matter what his birth, even as water seeks its level? If a man has within him the soul of a free man, will he not become respected and honored in his own city in spite of his misfortune?'

I wonder if I have the soul of a slave. I cannot join them,

'Does not thy great king fight his enemies in every way he can and with every force he has? Thy debts are thy enemies.

'Thy debts are thine enemies

With a new vision, I saw the things that I must do.

A new vision to pull him forward and direct his action.

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

"Thou has shown me a vision; already I feel the soul of a free man surge within me."

"Where the determination is, the way can be found"

I intent to apply two tenths of all I earn upon my indebtedness

it is easier to pay one's just debts than to avoid them.

my good wife and my thankful self celebrate with great feasting that our determination hath been achieved.

Nor is he the only one who holdeth me in high regard. Many others speak deferentially to me. My good wife looketh upon me with a light in her eyes that doth make a man have confidence in himself.

Father and myself know not his secret for attracting the golden shekels."

Remember, work, well-done, does good to the man who does it.

I told him what Megiddo had said about work and how it was proving to be my best friend.

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

"Thy grandfather enjoyed working. The Gods appreciated his efforts and rewarded him liberally."