The Richest Man in Babylon

Clason introduces a new character, Kalabab, who shares his wisdom with his group of workers who helped him lead his camels across the desert and protected him from robbers. Kalabab informs the men that he will tell them Arkad’s advice, which the men are eager to hear since Arkad is renowned as the richest man who ever lived in Babylon. (Arkad’s son, Nomasir, told Kalabab this story and passed along his father’s wisdom, too.)

Kalabab relates to his listeners that Arkad did not want Nomasir to inherit his estate without first building financial skills, so he instructed Nomasir to “go out into the world and show thy ability both to acquire gold and to make thyself respected among men” (47). Arkad gave Nomasir a bag of gold and a clay tablet that contained “The Five Laws of Gold” as a reminder for his son (47). Arkad told Nomasir to return in 10 years and inform him about his success. He warned Nomasir that if he fails, he may lose his inheritance.

Ten years pass, and Nomasir returns with his own family to visit his father, where he is welcomed with a dinner.