Most people earn money and spend it all, wondering why they never get ahead. The core insight of "The Richest Man in Babylon" is deceptively simple: pay yourself first. Arkad, the richest man in Babylon, built his wealth by keeping at least one coin in ten for himself before paying anyone else — landlord, baker, or merchant.

This single habit — saving a minimum of 10% of everything you earn — is the foundation of all wealth-building. It is not about how much you earn, but about how much you keep. A lean purse that grows is worth more than a full purse that empties.