The Richest Man in Babylon by George S. Clason

Babylon became the wealthiest city of the ancient world because it's citizens were the richest people of their time. They appreciated the value of money. They practiced sound financial principles in acquring money, keeping money and making money earn more money. They provided for themselves what we all desire... incomes for the future. ~ Introduction

"In Old Babylon there once lived a certain very rich man named Arkad. Far and wide he was famed for his great wealth. Also he was famed for his liberality. He was generous in his charities. He was generous with his family. He was liberal in his own expenses. But nevertheless, each year his wealth increased more rapidly than he spent it."

Chapter 2, page 21.

Clason, George S. The Richest Man in Babylon. Plume, published by the Penguin Group: New York. 1955. ISBN# 0-452-26725-0