Money is often seen as the ultimate goal of human existence. We are constantly bombarded with messages that tell us we need more money to be happy, successful, and fulfilled. We are encouraged to pursue careers that pay well, to buy things that make us look good, and to invest in opportunities that promise high returns. We are taught to measure our worth by our net worth, and to compare ourselves with others who have more.
But is money really the answer to everything? Does having more money guarantee happiness and satisfaction? Or does it create more problems and stress? And what about the bigger questions of life, such as why are we here, what is our purpose, and what is our legacy?
These questions are often ignored or dismissed as irrelevant or impractical. We are too busy chasing money to stop and reflect on our deeper values and goals. We are too afraid to face the uncertainty and complexity of life, so we cling to the illusion of security and stability that money provides. We are too comfortable with the status quo to challenge ourselves and grow as human beings.
But ignoring these questions does not make them go away. They remain in the back of our minds, nagging us and making us restless. They surface in moments of crisis, when we realize that money cannot buy us health, love, or peace. They haunt us in moments of emptiness, when we feel that something is missing in our lives, despite having everything we need.
So how can we find answers to these questions? How can we discover our true purpose and meaning in life? How can we live authentically and joyfully in a world that values money over everything else?
There is no one definitive answer to these questions, as different people may have different views and experiences. However, there are some common themes and insights that can help us explore these questions and find our own answers. Here are some of them:
• Recognize that money is a means, not an end. Money is a tool that can help us achieve certain goals, such as providing for our basic needs, supporting our family, pursuing our passions, or contributing to society. But money is not a goal in itself. It is not the source of happiness or fulfillment. It is not the measure of our worth or success. It is not the reason why we exist.
• Seek wisdom, not wealth. Wisdom is the ability to understand ourselves, others, and the world around us. It is the ability to discern what is good, true, and beautiful. It is the ability to make wise choices that reflect our values and goals. Wisdom is more valuable than wealth, because it helps us live well, not just live richly.
• Find your passion, not your paycheck. Passion is the feeling of enthusiasm and excitement that comes from doing something you love and care about. It is the feeling of being fully alive and engaged in your work or activity. Passion is more rewarding than a paycheck, because it gives you a sense of purpose and fulfillment. It gives you a reason to wake up every morning and look forward to your day.
• Connect with others, not with things. Connection is the feeling of belonging and being loved by others who share your interests, values, and goals. It is the feeling of being part of a community or a family that supports you and cares for you. Connection is more satisfying than things, because it gives you a sense of joy and gratitude. It gives you a reason to smile and laugh every day.
• Serve a cause greater than yourself, not your ego. Service is the act of giving your time, energy, skills, or resources to help others who need it or to advance a cause that matters to you. It is the act of making a positive difference in the world or in someone’s life. Service is more meaningful than your ego, because it gives you a sense of contribution and legacy. It gives you a reason to be proud and humble every day.
These are some of the ways we can find answers to the big questions of life. They are not easy or simple answers, but they are worth pursuing. They require us to challenge ourselves, to learn new things, to explore new possibilities, and to grow as human beings.
They also require us to question the dominant culture that tells us that money is everything. They require us to resist the temptation of greed, materialism, consumerism, and selfishness. They require us to live differently from most people who are obsessed with money.
But they also promise us a richer and happier life, a life that is aligned with our true nature and potential, a life that is worth living.
So, the next time you find yourself asking how to make a lot of money, ask yourself instead: What are we in this world for? And then, follow your heart and find your answer.
