You want more ?

We buy things we don’t need with money we don’t have to impress people we don’t like. — Dave Ramsey

I have never understood why people hoard money. Perhaps I am just naive or perhaps I simply don’t get it. Whatever the reason, I am of the firm view that the world needs a lot more kindness. And as the old saying goes, actions always speaks loudest. We have way too much lip service and not enough love.

I once heard a story where a man asked a Rabbi, “Who is a rich man?” And the Rabbi’s answer: “Someone who knows that they have enough is rich.” This is simple and it is the truth. The truth is always simple. What then possesses someone to hoard cash? And why are so many rich people so stingy? Is it greed or is it something else.

The more you own, the more it owns you. — Henry Rollins

This year has tested everyone. It has been a hard year for many many people around the world. It has also inspired many of us to take stock. Corona has shown how little we actually need to live. Yup, we don’t need much. To have the basics is to be rich. A comfortable home, food in the fridge, books, Internet connectivity, etc. And if you have no debt you are indeed living a rich life.

There is so much media attention this year on the rising inequity around the globe. The rich are getting richer and the poor are getting squeezed. If the rich were giving back a meaningful portion of their wealth to those who need it more, then that would be fantastic. But I don’t see that happening. Alas, history will repeat itself. We are getting closer to that inevitable day.

If you buy things you do not need, soon you have to sell things you need. — Warren Buffet

A friend of mine made a comment to me in a conversation the other day, “A well balanced person doesn’t need to spend much money. Endless consumption is about depression and emptiness.” We are both not psychologists, but something seems broken in the world. What is with this desire to want more and more. I have heard of retail therapy, and yes, it is fun to shop, but what are you trying to buy? The planet? Is that the goal?

Feeding the soul is what makes life worth living. Does inspiration come from material things? I don’t think so. It comes from people. People inspire us. People who climb mountains inspire us. When we climb a mountain we feel alive. When we grow and stretch and reach a goal, by putting in time, effort and hard work, that is when we feel fulfilled, and that is when those around us feel inspired.

If America is still the example of the best (and worst) of this world then we are in trouble. That same friend of mine said this to me, “America had two bad choices in this election. Their choice was between Pepsi and Coke when what they really need is water.” My interpretation of this is that America chose between Greedy A and Greedy B. And right now, we need Kind C. And this is all over the globe.

Greed is going to bite us all in the ass. If we don’t all give back more of what we have, then I think unrest will become the new normal.