Do you know the 7 wealth secrets of ancient Babylon? They are as true today as they were over 6000 years ago. Find out here!
Across the annals of history, their existed no city more magnificent that Babylon. Located near the Euphrates of ancient Mesopotamia, Babylon has only two natural resources: The water from the river, and fertile soil. In this otherwise arid desert, this magical city arose over 6000 years ago.
It is a spectacular example of what man can achieve with great determination, planning, and hard work. It's spectacular wealth of gold, immense hanging gardens, complex aqueducts and 60-foot barrier walls that ran for miles exists no more. Babylon has returned back to the desert from whence it came.
The walls of Babylon have crumbled over the eons, but the wisdom of wealth lessons are enduring today, as they will be 6000 years from now.
1) Start Thy Purse to Fatten
There are many trades and labors which men may earn coins. Therefore into the purse of you flows a stream of gold either large or small, according to thou ability. If thou wish to devise a fortune, is it not best to begin where coins currently flow? Then, abide by this: For every ten coins thou placest in thy purse, take out for use but nine. Thy purse will start to fatten at once, and the increasing weight will feel good in thy hand and bring satisfaction to thy soul.
2) Control Thy Expenditures
That which we each call our 'necessary expenses' will always grow to equal our incomes unless we protest to the contrary. Confuse not thy necessary expenses with thy desires. Budget thy expenses so that thou mayest have coins to pay thy necessities, to payeth thy enjoyments and to gratify thy worthwhile desires without spending more than nine tenths of thy earnings.
3) Make Thy Gold Multiply
Thy purse is fattening. Thus now findeth, though a fat purse is satisfying to a miserly soul but earns nothing. Therefore put each coin into laboring that it reproduce its kind like the flocks of the field and help bring to the income, a stream of wealth that shall flow constantly to thy purse.
4) Guard Thy Treasures From Loss
Guard thy treasure from loss, by investing only where by thy principle is safe, where it may be reclaimed if desirable, and where thou will not fail to collect a fair rental. Secure the advice of those experienced in the profitable handling of gold. Let thy wisdom protect thy treasure from unsafe investment.
5) Make Thy Dwelling a Profitable Investment
To a man's heart it brings gladness to eat the figs from his own trees and the grapes of his own vines. To own his own domicile and to have it a place his is greater effort behind all his endeavors. Therefore, do own thy own home. Thou canst pay the money lender with the same regularity as thou didst pay the landlord. Because each payment will reduce thy indebtedness to the money lender, a few years will satisfy his loan. Then thou will own a valuable property and thy only cost will be the king's taxes.
6) Insure a Future Income
It behooves a man to make preparation for a suitable income in the days to come, when his is no longer young, and to make preparations for his family should he be no longer with them to comfort and support them. Surely when such a small payment made with regularity doth produce such profitable results, no man can afford not to insure a treasure for his old age and the protection of his family, no matter how prosperous his business and his investments may be.
7) Increase Thy Ability to Earn
Many things come to make a man's life rich with gainful experiences. Such things as the following, a man must do if he respect himself: He must pay his debts with all the promptness within his power, not purchasing that for which he is unable to pay. He must take care of his family that they may think and speak well of him. He must make a will of record that, in case the Gods call him, proper and honorable divisions of his property be accomplished. He must have compassion upon those whoa re injured and smitten by misfortune and aid them within reasonable limits. He must do deeds of thoughtfulness to those dear to him. Thus, to cultivate thy own powers, to study and become wiser, to become more skillful, to so act as to respect thyself. Thereby shalt thou acquire confidence in thy self to achieve thy carefully considered desires.
Note that men of action are favored by the goddess of good luck. Action will lead thee forward to the success thou dost desire. Thus, seek thy opportunity today!
Article adapted from 'The Richest Man in Babylon', by George Clason. 1926.
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About the Author
Steven enjoys writing and teaching others on the special topics of wealth, health, and human potential. Steve left a lucrative career in biotechnology to fully pursue his passions in 2000. Now he writes, trains, and coaches full time in San Jose, CA. If you enjoyed this article you may enjoy Steve's tele-class: Infopreneuring MBA (Massive Bank Account!) at http://www.teleclassinternational.com/catalog.phtml?keywords=info01