The Richest Man in Babylon

What best way to start my book review site with the the literary classic that has had the most influence on most of my adult life. This is one book, I believe, that banks would hate for you to read - judging from the amount of credit cards they're selling.

The Richest Man in Babylon first started out in 1926 as a series of pamphlets written by soldier-turned-writer, George Samuel Clason. After serving in the United States Army during the Spanish-American War, he returned home to venture in business by starting a map and publishing company. It was here that he began writing a series of parables set in the ancient city of Babylon.

Ironically, these pamphlets were first used by banks to advise their clients with regards to the handling of money. His writings became so popular back then, it was compiled into a proper book that we know of today as The Richest Man in Babylon.

The 144-page paperback tells the story of a chariot builder by the name of Bansir who lived in an ancient society of mixed fortunes. While the majority of Babylonians lived in debt and existed on meagre earnings, there was a handful of citizens who prospered well.

Bansir was determined to change his fate and went out to seek a rich and prosperous merchant by the name of Arkad to seek his advice. Arkad was The Richest Man in Babylon at that time and he gladly took Bansir and his friends in a campfire to dispense his wisdom, including the famous "Five Laws of Gold".

The rest of the book revolves around this gathering, where Arkad describes why some men are bounded to be in debt for as long as humanity exists, and why some men become rich.

Sadly, this is a work that has been forgotten by much of the younger generation today. Everywhere we look, we see youths saddled with debt and morbid consumerism. Young adults prefer books like "Rich Dad, Poor Dad" and other titles of instant gratification. If only The Richest Man in Babylon was made a required reading at high school level, perhaps society will not be decaying to the level it is today.

Despite being written in a slightly older version of English, understanding it is a breeze. You may find yourself from cover to cover in less than a day given the thickness of the book. But have no doubt that its lessons will linger for a lifetime.