乔治·克拉森/George Clason
Good King Sargon was lamenting the state of the city. The rich were getting richer and poor poorer.All of the gold of the city has found its way into the hands of"a few very rich men of our city."
"Why should so few men be able to acquire all the gold？"said the King.
"Because they know how，"replied the Chancellor."One may not condemn a man for succeeding because he knows how."
"Who knows best in all our city how to become wealthy, Chancellor？"Asked the King.
"Your question answers for itself, your majesty. Who has amassed the greatest wealth in Babylon？Arkad."replied the Chancellor.
Arkad was invited to appear before the King. The start of the conversation sums up the topic.
"How makes you so wealthy？"asked the King.
"Only a great desire for wealth. Besides this, nothing."stated Arkad.
"Is there any secret to acquiring wealth？Can it be taught？"asked the King.
"It is practical, your majesty. That which one man knows can be taught to others."replied Arkad.
The King wished for the knowledge that Arkad had accrued to be shared with the city folk. The King selected the"Chosen Hundred"to sit with Arkad.
The great man stood before the hundred and explained how he had had nothing as a youth other than an empty purse. He sought every remedy for a lean purse and found seven.The Seven Cures for a Lean Curse：
1.Start your purse to fattening.
"For every ten coins you placest within your purse take out for use but nine. Your purse will start to fatten at once and its increasing weight will feel good in your hand and bring satisfaction to your soul."
2.Control your expenditures.
"Budget your expenses that you might have coins to pay for your necessities, to pay for your enjoyments and to gratify your worthwhile desires without spending more than nine-tenths of your earnings."