For this month’s Marc’s Book Club, I dove into a timeless classic that continues to resonate with readers today: The Richest Man in Babylon by George S. Clason. This book is made up of parables set in ancient Babylon, and offers key principles for acquiring wealth, keeping it, and making it grow. Despite being written nearly a century ago, and taking place in a timeframe over a thousand years ago, its lessons on personal finance are as relevant today as they were then. It emphasizes simple and actionable steps that can be applied by anyone.

One of the most powerful lessons from The Richest Man in Babylon is the principle, “Start thy purse to fattening,” which advises saving a portion of all you earn. This simple act of consistent saving is presented as the cornerstone of wealth accumulation. It teaches us to pay ourselves first, to build a proper financial foundation.

Beyond just mere saving, the book illustrates that “opportunity is a haughty goddess who wastes no time with those who are unprepared.” This concept highlights that what often appears to be “luck,” is in fact the result of preparation meeting opportunity. By continuously learning, developing skills, and having a bias towards action, we can position ourselves to seize valuable opportunities when they arise, turning potential into prosperity. 

Finally, The Richest Man in Babylon touches on the importance of planning for the future, particularly in protecting one’s accumulated wealth and providing for one’s family. In modern terms, this translates to the critical role of estate planning. Clason writes, “He must make a will of record that, in case God call him, proper and honourable division of his property be accomplished.” Estate planning through a will and trust ensures your assets are managed and distributed according to your wishes and provides security for your loved ones. This safeguards the wealth you’ve worked so hard to build for generations to come.

The Richest Man in Babylon is a simple read for anyone seeking practical advice on financial wealth building. It serves as a powerful reminder that the path to wealth is built on consistent discipline, thoughtful spending, smart investments, preparedness for opportunity, and diligent planning for the future.