The Richest Man In Babylon
I started re-reading one of my all time favorite books this week, The Richest Man In Babylon.
The principles to building wealth really haven’t changed much in several hundred years, and this book has been around forever. Building wealth isn’t that hard; just look at what successful people are doing and model it. Trying to do things your own way or taking advice from those without a proven track record is what gets you in trouble.
The book is told in parable form. Through some interesting characters and memorable stories the book is able to convey its lessons much more effectively than if they simply made a list of points to remember. Even if they are talking about building chariots and selling sheep, the lesson still applies to modern day. (Side Note: I find this is an effective technique in public speaking as well: make a point and then back it up with a personal story or anecdote. It really drives the point home.)
As an excerpt from one chapter, here are seven cures for a lean purse, which each contain a story behind them:
- Start thy purse to fattening
- Control thy expenditures
- Make thy gold multiply
- Guard thy treasures from loss
- Make of thy dwelling a profitable investment
- Insure a future income
- Increase thy ability to earn
Highly recommended: check it out.
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Walter Thatcher said,
Wrote on November 12, 2007 @ 9:09 pm
This little book is also one of my friends. Its message is simple and powerful. It’s so easy to get caught up in having overly sophisticated plans for wealthbuilding and The Richest Man in Babylon is a great antidote to that.
[Reply]
Brian Armstrong said,
Wrote on November 13, 2007 @ 1:23 am
Yep, sometimes people get frustrated at simple advice because they think there must be some secret! Simple advice is easy to dismiss and say “I know that” even if we aren’t doing it.
[Reply]
Desty Online -- Online and Offline Businesses, Online Marketing said,
Wrote on November 13, 2007 @ 3:16 pm
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