Throughout the years, various prophets have preached the evils of money and the glory of a society which existed without the need for it. So far, no society has succeeded in such a Utopian endeavor; in fact most who claim that goal seem only to be able to remove money from the working class, not from the elite. In a human society, we need some form of barter to secure the things we require to live, and the things we want to enjoy. Early monetary systems were pretty simple, perhaps a measure of grain in exchange for some cloth; and they seemed to work. So how did we end up with today’s complex financial systems?

I’d never really considered the history of money and finance, but when The Ascent of Money, by Niall Ferguson was recommended, I decided to take a look.

Like me, most people probably don’t give a lot of thought to how banks and financial institutions developed. They just are, and seem to have always been. How did the banking system evolve, what started the idea of stocks and bonds, or how today’s complex financial markets came to be? Like all things though, these markets have a history that is both interesting and informative. Ferguson explains that the bond market, for instance, is a child of war. Having accumulated immense debt (and creating the term “mountain of debt”) in the Tuscan wars of the 14th and 15th century, Florence was desperate for a source of funding. They decided to levy a requirement on their citizens by “borrowing” money from them with a promise to repay with interest. City officials worked their way around the early church’s prohibition against charging interest by making these “loans” mandatory. A provision of the system allowed citizens to buy and sell these loans, or bonds, to each other. And a market was born.

With equal clarity, Ferguson discusses the stock and commodities markets, and takes a historic look at the real estate market that is so much in the news today. He even ventures into subjects that are a little esoteric to many of us like arbitrage and derivatives.

I found of the most valuable contributions of his in the Afterword. Summing up the reasons why human thought doesn’t always square with the economic realities of the markets, Ferguson lists ten human traits which can lead to difficulty in making good financial decisions. His list seems to transcend the markets and can be applied to all aspects of human life.

As something of an amateur student of history, I’m always looking for something a little different and off the beaten path. Niall Ferguson has provided just such a work. I found “The Ascent of Money” to be an interesting read and certainly an instructional book on a subject that many of us have just taken for granted.

New York City is among the most exciting cities in the world to work and live, coveted by many for its unequaled professional and cultural opportunities. If you are fortunate enough to be relocating to this world-renowned destination, be prepared for the ride of your life and the challenge of finding an apartment that meets your needs and requirements. This is not a market for the unwary. To find the right apartment, in the right location, and at the right price, there is no substitute for an experienced, professional real estate broker.

The first place to begin to help your broker find the right New York City apartment for you, is to explore the different neighborhoods in the city to target the area that suits your style and desires. Do you have your heart set on the fashionable So-Ho district, or is a quiet, family-friendly neighborhood more suitable? Can you afford Manhattan prices or would a charming apartment in Brooklyn better fit your budget? How much space do you need? Are you looking for a furnished or unfurnished apartment? Do you have a pet or planning to get one? All of these questions and more are important to finding exactly what you want.

Though there are hundreds of apartments for rent in New York City, the market is very competitive so you need to be prepared to make a decision quickly. This is another reason to do some homework early so you’ll know that perfect apartment when you see it. Taking too long to think about it can cost you with so many others ready to sign that lease. Know what you want and communicate well with your broker, and the ideal New York City apartment will be yours.

Being successful in business requires doing a lot of things. First, it requires good ideas, great techniques, and extreme agility. But being successful in business also requires reading. Of all of the entrepreneurs I have ever interviewed or talked to in my life, there was one common thread among all of them: they read! So here are 4 books that I think you should read as a start to being successful in business.

1. Start with the basics: “Oh The Places You’ll Go”. While you will not find this book on Harvard’s or The Wall Street Journal’s must read list, it is definitely one that you should pick up. Success in business begins with a mindset and that is exactly what this Dr. Seuss classic will give you: mindset. You have to be open and ready for what the world has to offer you; you also have to be ready to pick yourself up off the ground when you fall. So go out and grab this one; it’s a quick and easy read and promises to leave you inspired.

2. Think Outside of the Box: “Rework”. This book is a great way to deprogram yourself from the “real -world” and was written by two young men, Jason Fried and David Hansson. If you have been working in corporate America for awhile, then you will need to read something that is refreshing, something that will get your juices inside your head flowing and get you ready to do things differently. Rework is all of this and more and will give you the energy you need to come up with smart and innovative ideas.

3. Back Inside the box, but not for long: “The E-Myth”. Written by Gerber, this book is a great way to run a business and to think about doing business. It covers the basics and gives you a good idea of the whole entire process and machine that is a business entity. No matter how outside the box a business may seem, it still functions on a few main principles just like every other business: profit is one of them! So pick up this book and get familiar with business basics and how to run a successful one before you even start.

4. It Starts with You: “The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People”. With this book you will find all the skill sets and characteristics you need to be effective and successful in business. People who know how to get stuff done are the people who win in this world, no matter what anyone else says. You have to know how to get things done effectively and learning the habits that you need is the start! Stephen Covey is the author and he does a fantastic job in helping you to get where you need to go.

This is not a long reading list, but it is a good one. If you start with these four books you will truly be on your way to being successful in business. Reading them is the first test of your will to succeed, so begin your success with success and read!