How can you call yourself a free man when your weakness has brought you to this? If a man has in himself the soul of a slave will he not become one no matter what his birth, even as water seeks its level? If a man has within him the soul of a free man, will he not become respected and honored in his own city in spite of his misfortune?
The Richest Man in Babylon
is about creating lasting wealth from a different perspective. These “Babylonian parables” have become a modern inspirational classic.
1. Start thy purse to fattening (Pay ourselves first)
For every ten coins thou placest within thy purse take out for use but nine. Thy purse will start to fatten at once and its increasing weight will feel good in thy hand and bring satisfaction to thy soul.
2. Control thy expenditures ( Live below our means)
Budget thy expenses that thou mayest have coins to pay for thy necessities, to pay for thy enjoyments and to gratify thy worthwhile desires without spending more than nine-tenths of thy earnings.
3. Make thy gold multiply (Make our money work for us)
Put each coin to laboring that it may reproduce its kind even as flocks of the field and help to bring to thee income, a stream of wealth that shall flow constantly into thy purse.
4. Guard thy treasures from loss (Protect our wealth)
Guard thy treasure from loss by investing only where thy principle is safe, where it may be reclaimed if desirable, and where thou will not fail to collect a fair rental. Consult with wise men. Secure the advice of those experienced in the profitable handling of gold. Let their wisdom protect thy treasure from unsafe investments.
5. Make of thy dwelling a profitable investment (Our home is our biggest expense)
Own thy own home.
6. Insure a future income (Have a retirement plan)
Provide for in advance for the needs of thy growing age and the protection of thy family.
7. Increase thy ability to earn (Invest in ourselves)
Cultivate thy own powers, to study and become wiser, to become more skilful, to act as to respect thyself.