Thou Shall Prosper audiobook cover - Ten Commandments for Making Money

Thou Shall Prosper

Ten Commandments for Making Money

Daniel Lapin

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Career & SuccessEconomicsMoney & Investments

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Thou Shall Prosper
Roots of Jewish Success+
Business as a Noble Endeavor+
Relationships & Networking+
Ethical Capitalism+
Traits of Exceptional Leaders+
Navigating Change & Forecasting+
The Nature of Money & Charity+
The Anti-Retirement Philosophy+

Quiz — Test Your Understanding

Question 1 of 10
According to the text, what is the actual reason behind the historical business success of Jewish people?
  • A. A genetic predisposition for moneymaking that evolved over centuries.
  • B. A high level of education fostered at home and in the synagogue.
  • C. Unusually high IQs that naturally lead to business leadership roles.
  • D. Exclusive secret societies that pool community financial resources.
Question 2 of 10
How does Jewish tradition view the act of lending money (banking)?
  • A. As a necessary evil required to escape historical oppression.
  • B. As an immoral practice that should be heavily regulated by the community.
  • C. As a charitable act that allows borrowers to build businesses and retain their dignity.
  • D. As a strictly secular activity that must be kept separate from religious life.
Question 3 of 10
How does the traditional Jewish practice of the 'minyan' naturally facilitate business networking?
  • A. It requires a traveling businessman to join a quorum of ten men for prayer, creating opportunities to form new relationships.
  • B. It mandates that all business contracts be signed in the presence of a rabbi and a congregation.
  • C. It is a weekly business seminar held in the synagogue to discuss local market trends and investments.
  • D. It requires wealthy individuals to financially mentor younger entrepreneurs in their local community.
Question 4 of 10
What does the concept of 'ethical capitalism' teach regarding business scandals, such as Bernie Madoff's Ponzi scheme?
  • A. Capitalism is inherently flawed and naturally encourages fraudulent behavior.
  • B. Business is like an inanimate object; we should hold the individuals accountable rather than blaming the capitalist system itself.
  • C. Government regulations are the only effective way to ensure that businesses do not exploit consumers.
  • D. Wealth redistribution is the primary responsibility of business leaders to prevent systemic inequality.
Question 5 of 10
According to the text's interpretation of the biblical story of Joseph, why did Judah lose his role as a leader?
  • A. He lacked a clear, long-term vision for his family's future.
  • B. He compromised and avoided necessary confrontation by suggesting they sell Joseph into slavery.
  • C. He failed to follow the guidance of his mentor and acted out of pure ego.
  • D. He refused to adapt to changing circumstances during a period of famine.
Question 6 of 10
What lesson about business and change is derived from the symbolism of the Star of David?
  • A. A business must be entirely rigid to survive severe economic downturns.
  • B. True success comes from constantly changing every aspect of a company to follow the latest trends.
  • C. A business should remain open to change while staying firmly rooted in its core values and unchangeable entities.
  • D. Change should be implemented as quickly and abruptly as possible to outpace competitors.
Question 7 of 10
What does the text suggest is a primary obstacle to accurately forecasting the future, as illustrated by Neville Chamberlain?
  • A. A lack of historical data and present-day information.
  • B. Focusing on too many global trends instead of local ones.
  • C. Personal ego and ambition, which can obscure obvious truths.
  • D. The inability to predict the actions of unpredictable leaders.
Question 8 of 10
Based on the Jewish term for money, 'zuz,' what is the fundamental nature of money in an economy?
  • A. It is meant to be hoarded and saved strictly for times of crisis.
  • B. It is a static measure of a person's ultimate spiritual worth.
  • C. It is meant to naturally move and circulate between people.
  • D. It is a necessary evil that should be minimized in daily life.
Question 9 of 10
Why does the text argue that giving money away to charity can actually benefit your business?
  • A. It serves as a reliable tax loophole that maximizes corporate profits.
  • B. It builds a reputation as a giver, making others more eager to do business with you.
  • C. It ensures that the government will not interfere with your business operations.
  • D. It directly forces competitors to match your donations, draining their financial resources.
Question 10 of 10
Which of the following is one of the 'three lies' about retirement that the book refutes?
  • A. Work has no real value and is just a means to an end.
  • B. People need to save at least ten percent of their income to retire comfortably.
  • C. Retirement usually leads to an increase in creative entrepreneurial pursuits.
  • D. Physical labor is the only type of work that maintains its value over time.

Thou Shall Prosper — Full Chapter Overview

Thou Shall Prosper Summary & Overview

Thou Shall Prosper (2009) offers a revealing look at what Jewish principles can teach us about building wealth and finding success. By adhering to these principles, one can survive and thrive in today’s volatile economy.

Who Should Listen to Thou Shall Prosper?

  • Business owners looking for the keys to success
  • Students and employees considering starting their own business
  • Readers nearing retirement

About the Author: Daniel Lapin

Rabbi Daniel Lapin hosts a radio show on KSFO in San Francisco that offers advice based on ancient Jewish tradition. His articles have appeared in many publications, including the Wall Street Journal and National Review. He is the author of America’s Real War, a book advocating a return to Judeo-Christian traditions.

 

© Daniel Lapin: Thou Shall Prosper copyright 2002, John Wiley & Sons Inc. Used by permission of John Wiley & Sons Inc. and shall not be made available to any unauthorized third parties.

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