Introduction to The Richest Man in Babylon PDF There were shekels that I tossed to the beggars carelessly; there were silver pieces with which I bought finery for my wife and whatever I desired for myself; and there were gold pieces that made me feel secure in the future and fearless to spend the silver. I was filled with a wonderful sense of fulfillment! You wouldn’t have recognized me as thy hardworking companion. You wouldn’t have known my wife if she hadn’t had wrinkles on her face and was beaming with joy.