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romitheguru's review
4.0
The Richest Man in Babylon is a concise and insightful book that delves into the fundamental principles of personal finance. Written by George S. Clason, the book presents its financial wisdom through a series of short stories set in ancient Babylon. While the book's age and sometimes archaic language may pose some challenges, its core principles continue to resonate with readers seeking to build a solid financial foundation.
One of the book's standout features is its narrative style, as it imparts financial wisdom through relatable parables and anecdotes. This approach makes the book engaging and allows readers to easily grasp the underlying message of each story. Through the stories, Clason offers practical advice that remains applicable even in the modern world.
The book's most significant strength lies in its timeless financial principles. It emphasizes four key aspects of personal finance:
1. Saving and Investing: Clason advises readers to save at least 10% of their income and to seek guidance from financial experts when investing. This core principle of saving and investing remains as relevant today as it was in ancient Babylon.
2. Debt Management: The book advocates allocating 20% of one's income to repaying debts, highlighting the importance of being debt-free. While the financial landscape has evolved, the principle of managing and reducing debt remains a vital aspect of financial security.
3. Lending Wisely: Clason cautions against letting emotions cloud decisions when lending money. This timeless advice reminds readers to be discerning and cautious when assisting others financially, ensuring that their hard-earned money is not squandered.
4. Hard Work and Luck: The book emphasizes the role of hard work in achieving financial success. It encourages readers to work diligently to become the "luckiest" person, illustrating the connection between effort and financial prosperity.
However, "The Richest Man in Babylon" is not without its drawbacks. The book's archaic English can be a hurdle for some readers, making it difficult to fully comprehend the message at times. Additionally, some readers may find the advice repetitive as the same financial principles are reiterated in different stories.
One of the book's limitations is its focus on historical contexts, as it does not delve deeply into contemporary financial strategies or address the complexities of modern financial systems. Readers seeking specific, up-to-date guidance on modern finance may find the book somewhat lacking in this regard.
In conclusion, "The Richest Man in Babylon" offers timeless wisdom on personal finance in an accessible and engaging manner through its narrative style. While it may be challenging for some due to its antiquated language and repetitive nature, the book's core principles on saving, debt management, wise lending, and hard work remain relevant. Readers interested in establishing a strong financial foundation and who appreciate historical wisdom will find value in this classic work. However, for those seeking cutting-edge advice tailored to today's financial landscape, additional contemporary resources may be necessary.
One of the book's standout features is its narrative style, as it imparts financial wisdom through relatable parables and anecdotes. This approach makes the book engaging and allows readers to easily grasp the underlying message of each story. Through the stories, Clason offers practical advice that remains applicable even in the modern world.
The book's most significant strength lies in its timeless financial principles. It emphasizes four key aspects of personal finance:
1. Saving and Investing: Clason advises readers to save at least 10% of their income and to seek guidance from financial experts when investing. This core principle of saving and investing remains as relevant today as it was in ancient Babylon.
2. Debt Management: The book advocates allocating 20% of one's income to repaying debts, highlighting the importance of being debt-free. While the financial landscape has evolved, the principle of managing and reducing debt remains a vital aspect of financial security.
3. Lending Wisely: Clason cautions against letting emotions cloud decisions when lending money. This timeless advice reminds readers to be discerning and cautious when assisting others financially, ensuring that their hard-earned money is not squandered.
4. Hard Work and Luck: The book emphasizes the role of hard work in achieving financial success. It encourages readers to work diligently to become the "luckiest" person, illustrating the connection between effort and financial prosperity.
However, "The Richest Man in Babylon" is not without its drawbacks. The book's archaic English can be a hurdle for some readers, making it difficult to fully comprehend the message at times. Additionally, some readers may find the advice repetitive as the same financial principles are reiterated in different stories.
One of the book's limitations is its focus on historical contexts, as it does not delve deeply into contemporary financial strategies or address the complexities of modern financial systems. Readers seeking specific, up-to-date guidance on modern finance may find the book somewhat lacking in this regard.
In conclusion, "The Richest Man in Babylon" offers timeless wisdom on personal finance in an accessible and engaging manner through its narrative style. While it may be challenging for some due to its antiquated language and repetitive nature, the book's core principles on saving, debt management, wise lending, and hard work remain relevant. Readers interested in establishing a strong financial foundation and who appreciate historical wisdom will find value in this classic work. However, for those seeking cutting-edge advice tailored to today's financial landscape, additional contemporary resources may be necessary.
late_night_r3ader's review against another edition
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
5.0
perilous1's review against another edition
5.0
Nothing earth-shattering here as far as financial advice goes... but a memorable and solid foundation for a number of timeless principles.
I appreciated the story-style presentation of the subject matter. I'm sure that was a helpful retention tool, especially in the day and time in which it was written. Even knowing it was just a ploy, I still felt somewhat invested in the characters.
I appreciated the story-style presentation of the subject matter. I'm sure that was a helpful retention tool, especially in the day and time in which it was written. Even knowing it was just a ploy, I still felt somewhat invested in the characters.
brfmckay's review against another edition
2.0
repeats the same advice over and over. come to find out these stories are fiction, and were made by the insurance companies in the 30s and 40s to get people to buy policies! sad, sad world.
ahatterandahare's review
4.0
Changes on the TBR plan for 2022: after one #tbrjar book, I am reading one personal development book. The Richest Man in Babylon was the most recommended in my research for personal finance books, so I read it. For financial advice, this is perfect for complete noobs like me. It teaches principles of money management through simple, short stories. I loved it and I’m already applying some of the principles in my own finances. I recommend this if you’re looking to get better at managing your finances without having to look at investment plans and trendy things.
This book is 100 years old, using stories from a civilisation from over 5000 years ago and still manages to be relevant and important.
I really enjoyed it and took a few really good lessons from it.
The only ‘bad’ thing I have to say about this book is the writing style. It clearly feels like it’s what someone in the beginning of the 20th century thought old times people spoke like, and sometimes he trails off from that style. The racism and misogyny is also strong on this one, but I chose to ignore it as I started reading it because of course it’s written 100 years ago and we became smarter since then.
This book is 100 years old, using stories from a civilisation from over 5000 years ago and still manages to be relevant and important.
I really enjoyed it and took a few really good lessons from it.
The only ‘bad’ thing I have to say about this book is the writing style. It clearly feels like it’s what someone in the beginning of the 20th century thought old times people spoke like, and sometimes he trails off from that style. The racism and misogyny is also strong on this one, but I chose to ignore it as I started reading it because of course it’s written 100 years ago and we became smarter since then.
rlesias's review
2.0
A bit simplistic
The story itself is a bit simplistic. The main message can be summarized in a few lines: work hard, spare money, invest it.
I still gave it two stars because the book actually contained some interesting facts about Babylon and life during the antiquity. Also, he reader's voice was great.
The story itself is a bit simplistic. The main message can be summarized in a few lines: work hard, spare money, invest it.
I still gave it two stars because the book actually contained some interesting facts about Babylon and life during the antiquity. Also, he reader's voice was great.
zaisgraph's review against another edition
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
4.0
Love everything about this. Obviously meant more for younger people.
secretwhisperslibrary's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
3.75