We think we want money. But what we really want is for our days to be happy and joyful.
We want to love the work we do. We want good relationships. We want the freedom to spend our time the way we like. We want good health and peace of mind. In short, we want a good life.
But since all these things are hard to get, money becomes a proxy for everything. And in the beginning, money is not a bad proxy — it does seem to work. But soon, its benefits start tapering off.
However, our mind says — that can’t be. Surely, money can do more — I just need more of it.
So you try to earn more and go for fancier vacations, flashier cars, and bigger houses. But all in vain. And by the time you realize it, most of life is over. That is when people find solace in other things (e.g., spirituality).
I don’t have a solution to this conundrum nor do I have any great wisdom to share.
But one thing I can say — if you are going to do something when you are sixty or seventy, why not do it now?
Don’t wait for the lottery — it won’t change your life all that much.
– Rajan