THE RICHEST MAN IN BABYLON

Arkad was famed across the land for his great wealth, liberality, and generosity with family and charity. The group that Bansir and Kobbi had assembled opened up their discussion with some interesting perceptions about life.

“Why then should a fickle fate single you out to enjoy all the good things of life and ignore us who are equally deserving?”

“If you have not acquired more than a bare existence in the years since we were youths, it is because you have either failed to learn the laws that govern the building of wealth, or else you do not observe them. ‘Fickle fate’ is a vicious goddess who brings no permanent good to anyone…makes wanton spenders, who soon dissipate al they receive.”


Easy money doesn’t stick around is what Arkad preaches. So true. Think of people close to you who have won lotteries and the like. The far majority are without today!
Arkad was asked the obvious question about how he has acquired his fortune. He made an assessment from his early years that the things that brought happiness and contentment were magnified by the existence of wealth.

“Wealth is power. With wealth many things are possible.”
When he had this realization, he decided to claim his share of the good things of life because he would not be satisfied with the lot of a poor man. He determined the following;
  1. He would have to immerse himself and study wealth accumulation.
  2. Once learned, he would follow the laws and do it well.

Arkad explained to the group that there was two types of learning. One was the things we learned and knew, the other the training that taught us how to find out what we don’t know.
Arkad found employment as a scribe and labored for many months without anything to show for it. One of Arkad’s clients, a wealthy man called Algamish, wanted a job done over night. Arkad in exchange for such prompt service requested Algamish to inform him as to how he may too become wealthy.

The first piece of advice from Algamish - “I found the road to wealth when I decided that a part of all I earned was mine to keep.” The advice to save no less than a tenth of what Arkad earned was the start of a transformation. “Every gold The Richest Man In Babylon Review
piece that you save is a slave to work for you. Every copper it earns is it’s child that also can earn for you.”

When Arkad met up with Algamish twelve months later, he had saved a tenth of his earnings but had given it to Azmur the Bricklayer to invest in rare jewels. This was where Algamish’s next piece of advice was to make a change for Arkad.

“Every fool must learn,” he growled, “but why trust the knowledge of a Brickmaker about jewels?” …“next time if you would have advice about jewels, go to the jewel merchant.” “Advice is one thing that is freely given away, but watch that you take only what is worth having.”

The jewels the Brickmaker bought were worthless and Arkad learnt the lesson. The habit to save was now fully entrenched so he quickly amassed more gold. After another twelve months, Algamish returned to meet with Arkad. Arkad reported that he had been loaning his savings to Agger the Shieldmaker who was paying interest on the borrowings. Some of his gold he was using for feasts and buying luxurious items. Algamish advised further;

“You do eat the children of your savings.” “Then how do you expect them to work for you? And how can they have children that will also work for you? First get thee an army of golden slaves and then many a rich banquet may you enjoy without regret.”

Another 24 months passes and Algamish compliments Arkad on his rigid adherence to his teachings.
“Arkad,” he continued, “you have learned the lessons well. You first learned to live on less than you earn. Next you learned to seek advice from those who were competent…and. Lastly, you have learned to make gold work for you.”

Arkad had learned how to acquire money, how to keep it and how to use it. Algamish made Arkad an offer he couldn’t refuse – to work with him and share in his estate. One of the group Arkad was addressing commented that he was fortunate to be made an heir. Arkad replied, “Fortunate only in that I had the desire to prosper before I first met him.”

“Opportunity is a haughty goddess who wastes no time with those who are unprepared.”
“Will power is but the unflinching purpose to carry a task you set for yourself to fulfillment.”
“When I set a task for myself, I complete it. Therefore, I am careful not to start difficult and impractical tasks, because I love leisure.”
“Wealth grows wherever men exert energy.”
The Richest Man In Babylon Review
Arkad explains that you must live with the thought that;
“A part of all I earn is mine to keep.”
Think about it morning, noon and night.
“Impress yourself with the idea. Fill yourself with the thought.”
“As it grows it will stimulate you.”
Make gold be your slave.
Seek wise counsel.

The group thanked Arkad for the discussion and dispersed – some silent and still not understanding, sarcastic thinking that Arkad should divide his massive fortune with them! Others walked away with a new light in their eyes and frequently counseled with Arkad who gave freely of his wisdom.

CURL from  RICH MAN FROM BABYLON.