THE RICHEST MAN IN BABYLON
by GEORGE S. CLASON
7 CURES FOR A LEAN PURSE

START THY PURSE TO FATTENING
For every ten coins thou placest within thy purse, take out for use but nine. Thy purse will start to fatten at once and its increasing weight will feel good in thy hand and bring satisfaction to thy soul. The coins thou takest from thy purse bring gratification of thy desires – things quickly gone and forgotten. The coins thou leavest within it will bring thee wealth.

CONTROL THY EXPENDITURES
What each of us calls our necessary expenses will always grow to equal our incomes unless we protest to the contrary.
Budget thy expenses that thou mayest have coins to pay for thy necessities, to pay for thy enjoyments, and to gratify thy worthwhile desires without spending more than nine-tenths of thy earnings.

MAKE THY GOLD MULTIPLY
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.
Put each coin to laboring that it may reproduce its kind even as the flocks of the field and help bring to thee income, a stream of wealth that shall flow constantly into thy purse.

GUARD THY TREASURES FROM LOSS
The first sound principle of investment is security for thy principal. Is it wise to be intrigued by larger earnings when thy principal may be lost?
Guard thy treasure from loss by investing only where thy principal is safe, where thou will not fail to collect a fair rental. Secure the advice of those experienced in the profitable handling of gold.

MAKE OF THY DWELLING A PROFITABLE INVESTMENT
If a man setteth aside nine parts of his earnings upon which to live and enjoy life, and if any part of this nine can be turned into a profitable investment, then so much faster will his treasures grow.

The money lenders gladly consider the desires of men who seek homes and land for their families. Own thy own home. Then will thy heart be glad. 

INSURE A FUTURE INCOME
It behooves a man to make preparation for a suitable income in the days to come, when he is no longer young, and to make preparations for his family should he be no longer with them to support them.
No man can afford not to insure a treasure for his old age and the protection of his family. Provide in advance for the needs of thy growing age.

INCREASE THY ABILITY TO EARN Preceding accomplishment must be desire. Thy desires must be strong and definite. General desires are but weak longings. Desires must be simple and definite.
As a man perfecteth himself in his calling, even so doth his ability to earn increase. Cultivate thy own powers. Study and become wiser. Become more skillful. Act as to respect thyself.