The Richest Man In Babylon?

I never wanted to read this book because I didn't like the title. It sounds almost crass, blatantly espousing materialism in a materialistic age. I am trying to flee Babylon, not run towards it. Besides, Babylon was destroyed-a witness to God’s displeasure towards a pleasure seeking people. But after seeing the book on the bookshelf of a person I admired, and realizing that it has been a bestseller since 1922, I decided to give it a chance.

I was not disappointed as it was far better than I imagined.

Although I don't agree with all of the references to "the gods" and some of the ancient colloquialisms it refers to, there is sound wisdom in this book. I downloaded it through Audiobook and listened to it while I exercised, walked my dog or rode my bike. Some of the lines I listen to over and over again as I was amazed at how much wisdom was contained in a single sentence. (You can download it for free here if you are not a member of Audiobook).

What was also beautiful about it is that it doesn't blatantly espouse materialism as I thought it certainly must with such a title. Everything is done in wisdom in order, not with the mindset of obtaining wealth to be better than others, to have more than others or to flaunt it as so many do in our day, but to obtain it for proper use and benefit of yourself and family. It must be remembered that the "love of money" is a root of all evil, not money itself.

I have met all kinds of people (as you have) with an infinite variety or level of income. I've seen the most destitute of all scrimping for anything edible amidst trash heaps while I zoomed comfortably by in an air-conditioned train towards a luxury hotel and my heart melted. I’ve seen those with money that were the worst people on earth, where you could barely stand to be around them as they took all of the air out of the room. I've been rich and I've been poor yet it is during the poor times that I felt a closeness to God, more appreciative of his blessings and more in tune with his spirit.

Our society constantly holds up the rich and famous of this world as someone to emulate and to strive to become, yet a closer examination of their lives almost always reveals one of emptiness and even despair. And those who inherit their millions or even billions are some of the most miserable people on this planet. Money does not make one happy if ones goals are not aligned with the principles of happiness, yet it can accentuate that happiness and bless others if used in a proper manner.

In my mind this book teaches correct principles for anyone and how to obtain wealth and how to view it after it is achieved. I can now certainly recommend it for anyone in our hectic time amidst loud voices begging for your attention and your money.

It is wisdom of the ages that lasts.