Being wealthy is not a chance occurrence. There is plenty of evidence that the single-minded pursuit of wealth can lead people into dangerous and stupid decisions. There is also extreme animosity towards the wealthy, especially as financial crisis looms on the hearts and minds of people. Having wealth can mean different things to different people.
Is Money the Root of Evil?
Bill Gates uses money to bring technology and infrastructure to third world countries. There are some who use their money for less ambitious purposes, but money is not inherently evil. Money is most often misused when people are not honest with themselves concerning how they acquired their wealth or what they plan to do with it. Money is inexorably wrapped up in the ideas and concepts of culture, so it’s important to understand how money affects you and to be honest about what you can do within your own means.
Money Won’t Make You Happy
Money doesn’t suddenly provide fulfillment. It is a tool used as a means to an end. If you are confused as to what those ends are, you will struggle with finding meaning for the money you spend. There is a false perception that life is a series of external events. Life is not what you wear, what you drive or the home you live in. Richness and wealth are values that you instill in yourself. Develop a thirst for life and wealth will complement your lifestyle.
Being rich isn’t a miracle cure-all for life’s problems. If anything else, the old adage is true that more money can be more problems. Staying true to you is crucial to being happy, no matter what your means.
Samuel Phineas Uphamis an investor from NYC and SF. You may contact Phin on his Samual Phineas Upham website or Twitter page.