Chapter 5, The Five Laws of Gold Summary

Kalabab, an old man journeying across the desert, decides to tell his companions the story of Arkad's son, Nomasir. The story is meant to illustrate the difficulty learning the difference between executing wisdom when dealing with gold and being overcome by greed. Kalabab knows the story of Nomasir because he has met personally with Arkad's son. Kalabab once worked for a man who took fine rugs to Nomasir's home for Nomasir to choose his favorites for use in his home.

Babylonian tradition maintains that sons live with their parents and will inherit their parents' wealth. Arkad did not care for this custom and chose instead to send Nomasir out into the world to try to make his own fortune. Arkad hoped that this would teach his son the value of wisdom and show...