Business Book Review: The Richest Man in Babylon by George S Clason

Clason’s classic is a masterclass in creating messages that resonate. He shares financial expertise through skilful storytelling. Helping his audience process complex ideas with ease.

My Rating: ★★★★

Length: 176 pages

Publisher: General Press

Released: 2018 (first published 1926)

Key Takeaway for Personal Branding

The Richest Man in Babylon by George S Clason is a bestselling classic. It’s hailed by many as one of the most inspirational personal finance books of all time. First published in 1926, its principles have proved timeless. And it continues to top recommendation lists.

Speaking in Parables

Most interesting from a personal branding perspective is Clason’s use of parables.

The Richest Man in Babylon was born from pamphlets Clason, a business owner, developed. They shared his knowledge of financial thriftiness. They were adopted by banks and insurance companies, and read by millions. His stories were set in the splendour of Babylon.

Babylonians were considered well-educated. History records them as the first engineers, astronomers and financiers. And Babylon was once considered among the most prosperous places in the world.

At its core, the principles shared in the book are familiar across the personal finance genre. But, Clason’s use of storytelling makes them memorable. He didn’t simply provide financial direction; he embraces the power of storytelling in his personal brand.

Favourite Quotes

Wealth, like a tree, grows from a tiny seed. The first copper you save is the seed from which your tree of wealth shall grow.

Which desirest thou the most? Is it the gratification of thy desires of each day, a jewel, a bit of finery, better raiment, more food; things quickly gone and forgotten? Or is it substantial belongings, gold, lands, herds, merchandise, income-bringing investments? The coins thou takest from thy purse bring the first. The coins thou leavest within it will bring the latter.

I tell you, my students, a man’s wealth is not in the coins he carries in his purse; it is the income he buildeth, the golden stream that continually floweth into his purse and keepeth it always bulging.

The more wisdom we know, the more we may earn. That man who seeks to learn more of his craft shall be richly rewarded.

Men of Action are favoured by the Goddess of Good Luck.

If a man has in himself the soul of a slave, will he not become one… If a man has within him the soul of a free man, will he not become respected and honoured in his own city in spite of his misfortune?

Every gold piece you save is a slave to work for you. Every copper it earns is its child that also can earn for you. If you would become wealthy, then what you save must earn, and its children must earn, that all may help to give to you the abundance you crave.

Through skilful storytelling, Clason’s words inspire investment in your future.

The Richest Man in Babylon by George S Clason: Available on Amazon.