Jim Rohn had repeatedly recommended the book “The Richest Man in Babylon” by George Clason, written in 1926.  I can now say that I have read it and I’m so glad I did.  In one of Jim’s many audios, Challenge to Succeed, he says that only 3% of his audiences every go out and get the book and read it.  When I heard his comment again recently, I decided to join the 3% crowd by getting the book (a used one at a great price) and reading it.  It’s not a long book and its fun to read since it is written in the way they would have spoken in ancient times in Babylon.

Today I want to let you know the initial steps that were used by the Richest Man in Babylon that allowed him to become so very rich.  First though, I need to mention the prerequisite that I did not mention in my video.  That all important prerequisite is to have a burning desire to become rich and wealthy.  Without that, any set of steps will fail because the desire is not strong enough. That strong desire will make you seek out the knowledge and take the required actions.

The Richest Man in Babylon’s first step to wealth began when he decided that a part of all he earned was his to keep.  Meaning he put aside 10% of all his earnings (his gold) to use that money to make him more money while he adjusted his spending so that he was able to live comfortably on the remaining 90%.  Learning to live on the remaining 90% was the second step.   Once he made the adjustment to spend only 90% of his gold, he felt no real decrease in his lifestyle.  Of course, the clinking gold coins (the 10% set aside for investment) in his purse (aren’t you men glad you can call it a wallet now) probably gave him a new happiness that boosted his outlook like nothing else could.

Now it is very important what you do with the 10%.  Guarding your investment from loss is the fourth step.   In the beginning as he learned by making mistakes, the Richest Man in Babylon invested his first year’s worth of 10% savings with his bricklayer so that they each could buy jewels to resell to the people of the City of Babylon for a large profit.  As you may have guessed, the bricklayer knew nothing about jewels and he was easily tricked into accepting colored pieces of glass in exchange for his and the Richest Man in Babylon’s full 10% investment.   The lesson learned here was that you should never trust a bricklayer’s knowledge about jewels, or, in today’s words, be sure you find an expert in the investment you plan to make or, better yet, become an expert yourself.

What I liked most about this book is that I now know the steps to immense wealth used and proven in ancient times and I love how relevant those steps are in today’s world.  Please take Jim Rohn’s recommendation and join the 3% who’ve read this little book.  Go out and get or borrow (Jim says that only 3% of American’s have a library card; must be the same 3%) the book, The Richest Man in Babylon, and use what you learn from George Clason to become the Richest Man or Woman in your City!