George Samuel Clason (1874-1957) was an American author best known for his influential book “The Richest Man in Babylon”, a collection of parables set in ancient Babylon that dispense advice on financial wisdom and personal wealth. Originally published in 1926, the book emphasizes principles like living within one’s means, saving a portion of income, investing wisely, and cultivating good luck.
Clason began his career founding the Clason Map Company and later the Clason Publishing Company. “The Richest Man in Babylon” was initially distributed as a series of informational pamphlets by banks and insurance companies. It went on to become a modern inspirational classic, selling millions of copies worldwide and being translated into multiple languages.
Credited with coining the phrase “Pay yourself first”, Clason’s enduring legacy lies in his ability to convey timeless financial principles through engaging parables, making “The Richest Man in Babylon” a seminal work in the personal finance genre that continues to influence readers today.