The Richest Man in Babylon is one of my favorite financial books of all time. It is the first “personal finance” book I ever read, and I’ve re-read it several times now.
It’s a timeless classic, and the tips are more relevant than ever. Every time I re-read it I learn something new.
What I want to do in the paragraphs below is simply share a few of my favorite George S. Clason quotes from the book. Each quote is in bold and italics. At the end of each quote I will share my own two cents on the topic. Enjoy.
Top 17 George S. Clason Quotes
# 1: Our prosperity as a nation depends upon the personal financial prosperity of each of us as individuals.
We can’t control how well our country does financially, but we can be responsible for our own household. As more of us do better financially, it will only help our country.
# 2: A part of all you earn is yours to keep. It should not be less than a tenth no matter how little you earn…. Pay yourself first.
Before you pay your bills each month set aside some money to pay yourself first.
# 3: He who takes advice about his savings from one who is inexperience in such matters, shall pay with his savings for proving the falsity of their opinions.
Only take advice from people who have what you want. Be careful who you listen to, you might end up like them. Seek financial advice from people who are smart with their own money!
# 4: Opportunity is a haughty goddess who wastes no time with those who are unprepared.
Seize opportunity whenever it is presented to you. If you can’t find an opportunity, create one for yourself.
# 5: A small return and a safe one is far more desirable than risk.
Take calculated risks. Invest in what you know. A small return is better than losing money.
# 6: That what each of us calls our necessary expenses will always grow to equal our incomes unless we protest to the contrary.
Most people spend more money as they make more money. The more money they make the higher their expenses. As a result, they stay broke. The key to success is to always spend less than you earn.
# 7: The purpose of a budget is to help thy purse to fatten.
Set a budget and stick with it. If you plan your expenses it will allow you to put aside some money each month, for the future.
# 8: … A man’s wealth is not in the coins he carries in his purse; it is the income he buildeth, the golden stream that continually floweth into his purse and keepeth it always bulging.
Your real wealth is the amount of residual income you have coming in each month.
# 9: The first sound principle of investment is security for thy principal.
Protect the income and assets that you do have.
# 10: Own thy own home.
Buy your own home as quickly as possible. It is normally a very good investment. Why pay a landlord when you can build equity?
# 11: Provide in advance for the needs of thy growing age and the protection of thy family.
Put away money for your golden years. You will be glad that you did.
# 12: I learned that to attract good luck to oneself, it is necessary to take advantage of opportunities.
Don’t let good opportunities pass you by. Don’t be scared to take calculated risks.
# 13: Wealth that comes quickly goeth the same way.
People rarely appreciate money that is given to them or money they did not earn themselves. That’s why you see so many broke lottery winners.
# 14: If you desire to help thy friend, do so in a way that will not bring thy friend’s burdens upon thyself.
Don’t let your friend’s problems become your problems.
# 15: Thy debts are thy enemies.
Stay out of debt.
# 16: Where the determination is the way can be found.
When there is a will there is a way. If you really want something you will figure out a way to make it happen.
# 17: Remember, work, well-done, does good to the man who does it.
Whatever you do for a living, take pride in what you do and be the best you possibly can.
About “The Richest Man in Babylon”
The book is a short story in parable format. It’s a quick and easy read. It was first published in 1926.
Before it was a book, it was distributed as a pamphlet to banks and insurance companies. It has sold millions and millions of copies. As of September 2018, the book has 3,321 reviews on Amazon with an average 4.7 star rating.
About George S. Clason
Mr. Clason lived from 1874 to 1957. He was a soldier, businessman and writer. You can order a copy of “The Richest Man in Babylon” on Amazon right here. It sells for just $7.99.
Final Thoughts
In review, these are my top 17 George S. Clason quotes from his best-selling book “The Richest Man in Babylon.”
Which quote is your favorite and why? If you’ve read the book before, tell us what you think about it. Leave a comment below to share your thoughts. I look forward to hearing from you.
Chuck Holmes
20+ Year Network Marketing Professional
Top Earner & Top Recruiter
Email: mrchuckholmes@gmail.com
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I just knew this book sounded familiar and as I read on, I realized that my Dad had me read it when I was much younger.
My Father was a CPA and very wise about money, and he claimed this book had a great supply of wisdom in it.
Two of these quotes really hit home. The one about taking financial advice from the inexperienced. It seems like people who are not doing very well are quick to offer financial advice. I have had to bite my tongue with several people that were like that.
The other one is paying ourselves.
We just cannot let that go by. What good is all the work we do if we cannot enjoy some of it?
This is a great book.
Be careful who you listen to. You might end up just like them.