The Richest Man in Babylon - The Original 1926 Classic (Reader's Library Classics)

The Richest Man in Babylon This is the kind of book that is easy to grasp but will completely change how you think about finances. The book is written in the form of stories, so it is never boring or lecturing, but the truth will strike you deep. The book teaches the following things in an easy-to-understand format that is simple to apply in your everyday life. Saving money, the importance of living below your means, and the ability of your finances to make more money. The thing that has really surprised me is just how relevant it is despite it being such a long time since it was written. The language is simple, the messages are actionable, and the paradigm change it inspires is very strong. If you’re just starting out in financial development or need a change in financial behavior in your life, this is a required read.

The Richest Man in Babylon is one of those rare books that manages to be simple, practical, and profoundly wise all at once. Despite being written nearly a century ago—and set in ancient Babylon—the lessons it shares about money, saving, investing, and personal discipline are more relevant than ever. Clason uses engaging parables to illustrate basic financial principles: live below your means, invest wisely, avoid debt, and always pay yourself first. These concepts may sound familiar today, but the way they’re told—through stories of merchants, traders, and workers—makes them memorable and easy to understand. What I appreciated most is that the book doesn’t just give advice; it inspires action. It made me rethink how I approach my finances and helped me start building better habits. At under 150 pages, it’s also a quick read—perfect for anyone looking to boost their financial literacy without feeling overwhelmed. Whether you're just starting your financial journey or want a reminder of core principles, this book is a must-read. I only wish I had discovered it sooner!

Suggested ready for anyone, bought these as present for my sons and son in laws. I suggest it as a must read. Easy, short, awesome

This one should be mandatory reading for all high school kids. I wish I knew these lessons growing up. It is a fun read using Olde English language and based back in Babylon era. Ancient setting, but the principles are still very applicable and have made a huge difference in my life and financial situation.

This book genuinely helped me rethink how I approach money and financial habits. Instead of focusing on complex strategies, it emphasizes mindset, discipline, and consistency—concepts that feel just as relevant today as they did when the book was written. The lessons are delivered through short parables set in ancient Babylon, which makes the advice easy to remember and surprisingly motivating. It encouraged me to reflect on my spending habits and start making small, realistic changes rather than feeling overwhelmed by finances. Pros: • Timeless financial principles that still apply today • Easy to understand, beginner-friendly concepts • Short stories make lessons memorable • Encourages mindset shifts, not just rules • Great introduction to saving, budgeting, and wealth-building Cons: • Language and writing style feel dated • Some lessons may feel basic for advanced finance readers • Repetitive themes in later chapters Overall, this is an excellent read for anyone looking to build better financial habits or gain a healthier perspective on money. It’s especially valuable for beginners or those who want a simple, motivating foundation for personal finance.

Great book. Was given one in 1967 when I graduated high school by my father. Gave one to each son when they graduated high school in 1989 & 1991, and one to each grandson when they graduated in 2017, 2020 and 2024. Great money handling advice in a story form that helps remembering.

Love this book! It is the best book on wealth accumulation ever written.

Great little book written in parable format. I intend to buy a copy for each of my kids who are just starting their adult lifes.

Rating: ★★★★★ (5/5) I cannot recommend The Richest Man in Babylon enough—this book is a masterclass in personal finance, disguised as a collection of ancient parables. Written by George S. Clason and first published in 1926, the lessons shared in this book seem as relevant today as they probably were thousands of years ago. The book seems like a great read of you're just starting to build your wealth or you’re looking to refine your financial habits - it offers highly practical advice that is also simple to understand. Key Takeaways: The book is structured around the fictional story of Arkad, the richest man in Babylon, who shares his wisdom about wealth with fellow citizens. The lessons are delivered through easy-to-follow parables, each highlighting timeless financial principles such as: • "Start thy purse to fattening" – Save at least 10% of everything you earn. • "Make thy gold multiply" – Invest wisely, and your money should work for you. • "Guard thy treasures from loss" – Be cautious with investments and avoid risky ventures that promise quick wealth. • "Ensure a future income" – Plan for the future, and don’t neglect retirement or unforeseen expenses. These simple yet profound principles are not just about getting rich—they are about building financial security, living within your means, and setting up a sustainable path to wealth. Why It Works? What I really love about this book is its clarity and simplicity. Unlike many personal finance books that bombard you with complex jargon and complicated strategies, The Richest Man in Babylon keeps things straightforward. The advice is actionable, practical, and doesn’t require a background in finance to understand. The storytelling aspect makes it not only informative but also engaging, and you’ll find yourself looking forward to each new parable. The book might be short in length, but the lessons it imparts are deeply impactful and can be applied at any stage of your financial journey. This is definitely a must-read for anyone interested in financial freedom and the beauty of this book is that it doesn’t just tell you what to do—it also explains why these principles work. It's an eye-opening guide that helps change your mindset about money, encourages self-discipline, and teaches you to be strategic with your finances. Whether you’re a beginner or someone with experience in managing money, The Richest Man in Babylon offers timeless wisdom that is practical, inspiring, and easy to implement. Pros: • Simple and actionable financial advice • Timeless wisdom that still applies today • Easy to read and engaging storytelling • Short but impactful—read it in one sitting if you like! Cons: • Some might find the language a bit dated, but it adds to its charm • Focuses primarily on wealth-building—doesn’t dive deep into modern investing strategies

This book was super helpful though repetitive at times but still heart capturing stories and advices relevant to today. This book has helped me in gradually building my reading habit

This book opened my eyes to the world of money and skill in general. Understanding how to allocate debts and payments in a reasonable way as well as teaching how and why people are money minded. A must read for anyone needing simple advice or anyone frustrated with the rich.

Control Thy Expenses law influences me a lots all these years. That me is able cut lots of costs to save lots of money.

I’m really enjoying this book. It arrived quickly from Amazon and was in excellent condition. The softcover feels nice to hold, and at just 115 pages, it’s an easy and enjoyable read. The lessons are simple, practical, and incredibly helpful. I can comfortably finish it within a week, and it’s definitely the kind of book you’ll want to read again and take notes from. I’m already finding value as I go and genuinely enjoying the process. I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to better manage their money, build smarter habits, and move toward financial freedom. Written by George S. Clason, the wisdom is timeless and still very relevant today.