What is wealth?
Our lives revolve around money. We earn it, save it, spend it, lend it, worship it. And then one evening, just like that, someone declares it worthless.
Technically, cash, gold and bank balance only have notional value. But we never acknowledge that. Our houses, cars, clothes and stocks have some intrinsic value. But their market prices are almost always inflated. These too can come crashing down any day.
So what is real wealth? Some invest in relationships. But every day I hear stories of people being stabbed in the back by their own.
Others invest in knowledge. I build technology. Most of the stuff I learn becomes worthless within three years, as the next big fad comes along.
People build self respect. Social recognition. But look at the Syrians now. Where is their sense of identity? Their assets, experience, education, all ground into dust.
Everyone invests in themselves. You can travel. Meditate. Exercise (or, like me, eat). In that case, where is your wealth? Can you trade it with others? Can it be demonetised through an executive order? Can all your inner peace and sophistication wash away in the fury of one election result?
I'd like to hear from you. What is your wealth (material or otherwise)? How do you prevent others from taking it away from you? How do you exchange that wealth for things you need? Does it give you a sense of safety? Do you fear it losing its value overnight?
Our lives revolve around money. We earn it, save it, spend it, lend it, worship it. And then one evening, just like that, someone declares it worthless.
Technically, cash, gold and bank balance only have notional value. But we never acknowledge that. Our houses, cars, clothes and stocks have some intrinsic value. But their market prices are almost always inflated. These too can come crashing down any day.
So what is real wealth? Some invest in relationships. But every day I hear stories of people being stabbed in the back by their own.
Others invest in knowledge. I build technology. Most of the stuff I learn becomes worthless within three years, as the next big fad comes along.
People build self respect. Social recognition. But look at the Syrians now. Where is their sense of identity? Their assets, experience, education, all ground into dust.
Everyone invests in themselves. You can travel. Meditate. Exercise (or, like me, eat). In that case, where is your wealth? Can you trade it with others? Can it be demonetised through an executive order? Can all your inner peace and sophistication wash away in the fury of one election result?
I'd like to hear from you. What is your wealth (material or otherwise)? How do you prevent others from taking it away from you? How do you exchange that wealth for things you need? Does it give you a sense of safety? Do you fear it losing its value overnight?