George S. Clason, born in 1874 in Louisiana, Missouri, was an American businessman, author, and entrepreneur best known for his influential work in personal finance. Clason served in the U.S. Army during the Spanish-American War before establishing two companies, Clason Map Company of Denver, one of the first to produce road maps, and a publishing company. In 1926, he began writing a series of pamphlets on financial advice, famously set in ancient Babylon, that ultimately formed The Richest Man in Babylon.These pamphlets gained popularity for their straightforward lessons on saving, investing, and wealth-building, becoming widely distributed by banks and insurance companies to educate clients. Clason's parables, centered around characters like Arkad, the "richest man in Babylon," used historical settings to impart financial wisdom in a memorable and accessible way. His teachings emphasized basic principles, such as saving a portion of one's income, making sound investments, and avoiding debt-practices that resonated with readers during the Great Depression.Clason's legacy endures as The Richest Man in Babylon remains a staple in personal finance literature. His approachable parables have influenced countless readers and financial professionals, offering timeless advice on building financial security. Clason's work continues to inspire financial independence and education, cementing his place as a pioneer in personal finance.
