The Richest Man in Babylon - George S. Clason.

Money is a concept that is not so easily understandable, and with fast changing times with respect to life, technology and infrastructure it even becomes more complicated. Humans have always given preferences to “wants” over “needs” and this is where the control about money i.e. finances comes in. Understanding money is not a twenty first century problem, it has always been there since the inception of currency in its various forms. George.S.Clason’s collection on thoughts about money and finances and the various method with which one can aggregate his wealth is very well documented in his book “The Richest Man in Babylon”.

The book is a compilation of his advice on money management and achieving financial success. George Clason very well believed that a prosperity of a nation depends upon the personal prosperity of each of its individual. To this he beautifully draws a parallel to the wealthiest ancient city of the ancient world, Babylon. Babylon had been the wealthiest city because its citizens were the richest people of their time. According to Clason, the people of the city practiced controlled and disciplined financial principles.

The book is very much relevant in today’s world, especially to youngsters to have just started to earn money. The principles which have been provided in this book through beautifully narrated stories of Babylon make an instant connection with the reader creating value for their time.

There are two very interesting chapters namely, seven cure for lean purse and the five laws of gold. These both chapters are an eye opener for anyone who take finance for granted. There is so much of common sense and simplicity in these principles that one would be compelled to use those techniques from the next moment itself.

The other aspect of this book is its language and narrative. It takes you back into time and makes you fall in love with the structure of sentences and impact of point it brings in. Considering that this a finance book, the literature aspect is at its highest level too.

The Richest man in Babylon is a must read for perhaps everyone. There is no question of interest or to be read concept in such books. It comes as no surprise that majority of the principles stated in this book is used by successful wealth managers and finance people.

And the icing come in at the end of each of the chapters where in there are some beautiful one liners which describe the learning from that chapter.

 A very fruitful reading indeed!