The Man Who Desired Gold - The Richest Man in Babylon (Summary)

Babylon was home to one of the richest and most thriving civilizations. Travelers used to say that there was none other like Babylon. Yet, there were people who were poor. Even worse, there were slaves who used to bring water for the famous hanging gardens of Babylon.

Bansir was a resident of Babylon who used to make chariots for the rich. He was one of the finest chariot maker in the city. Despite that, he was worried about his financial situation as he would often find himself restricted in spending.

One day, Bansir was sitting on a wall; thinking about his situation. His friend Kobbi arrived at the scene. Kobbi was a good musician. Bansir and Kobbi were best friends for a long time.

Kobbi had come to Bansir to ask for a small loan that he needed. He was taken aback by Bansir's response, though. Bansir informed him that he did not have enough money to spare even for his best friend.

Kobbi became worried as well. First of all, he started asking Bansir to work instead of sitting idle on the wall. Bansir did not move. Then a discussion started.

Bansir was of the view that they lived in the richest environment and yet they were poor. Kobbi agreed. Both of them talked about how wealth separates men. Some become influential while others become slaves; despite working more and being finer men.

They also noticed how their sons were going to remain poor as well by following their fathers' footsteps. A sense of genuine concern was running through these good friends now.

Kobbi pointed out that their efforts in making chariots and music had earned them recognition so it couldn't be said that their efforts were wasted. He suggested Bansir that, might be, making money was a complete art on its own. If that was true, they deserved to be poor because they had never tried to make money or learn how to make it.

The discussion was reaching an important point now. Both of these struggling men had realised that they had to learn how to make money just like they learned to make chariots or music.

As opposed to their situation, one of their friends, named Arkad, was the richest man in whole Babylon. Both of them decided to consult their friend and learn the secrets of earning more wealth; such that existing money may make more money.

Bansir doubted if his mind could learn and apply those principles. He started thinking that the secrets were a gift only Arkad could receive. Kobbi quickly disagreed. He sighted the example of Arkad's son, Nomasir, who went to another city called Neveh and became the richest man there; independent of his father's advice.

Bansir was so convinced that he insisted they went to Arkad right then. Kobbi agreed. Both of them lamented why they had never thought like that before. Bansir mentioned their other struggling friends who needed the advice too. Both of them agreed to take other friends with them to meet Arkad.

That's how Bansir, Kobbi and their friends started the journey to become the rich of Babylon; a civilization abundant but not feeding them well due to their lack of wisdom.

To be continued...