Customer Reviews: Read 399 more reviews...
 I'd recommend this to others October 14, 2008
I loved the style of writing.
This book shaves finances down to the basics. It made money management extremely easy to understand and entertained me at the same time!
Babylon sounds a lot like Bakersfield October 8, 2008
The Richest Man in Babylon was first published in 1929 by George S. Clayson, but written as if it had been translated from tablets taken from the ancient city of Babylon. Though the device is similar to something H.P. Lovecraft would use to establish credibility in a horror story, here it lends weight to his lessons and principles about how to create wealth. The basic principle boils down to save a dime from every dollar, but there are more nuggets of useful advice that would work wonders if you would but follow them faithfully.
It is a bit jarring to the modern ear when Clayson talks of slaves and slavery, but when you think of it, being in debt instead of saving and having your savings and investments working for you is a kind of financial slavery. Like the 'drinking gourd' in the sky, if you follow the principles set forth in 'The Richest Man in Babylon' it will free you from the shackles of debt.
I liked the last part where it described how Babylon was able to flourish despite not being a major port and not even having lots of natural resources such as forests or minerals. Through an ingenious system of irrigation and hard work, as well as systems of writing and record keeping, Babylon became a center of commerce. Kind of like Bakersfield, I'm thinking.
10 Books for Further Study on Wealth Building and Personal Success
How to Be Rich
The Millionaire Next Door
As A Man Thinketh
Seven Pillars of Wisdom: A Triumph
The Way to Wealth
The Art Of War
Rich Dad, Poor Dad: What the Rich Teach Their Kids About Money--That the Poor and Middle Class Do Not!
Gold Ahead by George S. Clason (the author of The Richest Man in Babylon)
Think and Grow Rich
The Essays of Warren Buffett: Lessons for Corporate America, Second Edition
Richest Woman in Bakersfield September 11, 2008
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
I am not the richest woman in Bakersfield--yet! But with the help of this and other books I have been reading lately, I should get there soon. This is a short and enjoyable read, as it is written as if it were taking place in ancient Babylon, but the timeless principles still apply today.
An example from the book is to save one tenth of everything you earn, and then put your savings to work so that money will earn more money in investments that aren't too risky.
Think and Grow Rich
Rich Dad, Poor Dad: What the Rich Teach Their Kids About Money--That the Poor and Middle Class Do Not!
The Millionaire Next Door
The Millionaire Real Estate Agent: It's Not About the Money...It's About Being the Best You Can Be!
Renegade Millionaire Strategies for Real Estate Agents
The Millionaire Real Estate Investor
How to Become a Million Dollar Real Estate Agent in Your First Year: What Smart Agents Need to Know Explained Simply
The Secret
A Whole New Mind: Why Right-Brainers Will Rule the Future
The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People
 Reduce to 2 pages and I'm in! September 7, 2008
2 out of 4 found this review helpful
I'll sum this book up for you in one sentence, "put 10% of everything you make in savings and then make your money earn you more money that doesn't require additional effort from you." The rest of the book just repeats this moto. The book does supply a fun story about Babylon, but if you are strictly interested in financial advice, the book doesn't go beyond the basics of saving. A good read for most Americans who have been entranced by credit card companies and over look the piggy bank, but for the financially responsible, I wouldn't recommend unless you want a good story about Babylon.
Seemingly obvious advice, but often overlooked September 4, 2008
The book is a quick and enjoyable read. A lot of the financial advice in this book seems pretty obvious, but many people have no concept of saving money, working hard, and living frugally. The book also mentions that you should invest your money under the advice of wiser men so that it is working for you.
Overall, the book delivered its message very clearly. I would also recommend it for teenagers, since it contains excellent principles to build a good financial mindset upon.
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