I came across this video the other day, and the core of the video asks the question above and explains how we should be happy rather than acquiring money. I agree. and disagree. Perhaps its the seemingly extreme-either-or-point-of-view implied by the video, perhaps it's my daftness and lack of experience in the "real working world", but let me explain my perspective.
A friend's comment on the video went something like this "Many will agree, but few will actually take the step to it", it referring to the theme of the video above. I don't think this means anybody at fault, but it does hint at each of us having different priorities, or at least, different ways of acquiring our real, valued priorities.
Let me just say this, I think we're antagonizing money too much. And I honestly don't think money per se is at fault here more than our attitude towards it. The thing about proposing the pursuit of money (or other materials) as a definite trade off for happiness often seems like an extreme. Why do we equate the chase for money as the run away from happiness? Pardon my naivety, but is it not possible to pursuit both, with its level of priority being different during different phases of life? It's rather common nowadays to hear people romanticizing only those who follow their heart, to pursue whatever passion they have without considering money at all. That a diet of pizzas, sleeping on different couches and the occasional drunken hangover night becomes the symbol of #YOLO and follow-my-heart. What about those who seek to delay gratification of personal happiness and focus on ensuring the well-being of themselves and loved ones? The famous Maslow's hierarchy (while damned by much of the research community) I think sets the idea quite well that we need to get our basic life needs (i.e. roof above our head, safe environment) prior to the pursuit of more abstract concepts that further empower our life's meaning - and money does not mean we will definitely get that, though it can be a large assistant.
I know people whose parents did not start doing a job because they are #YOLO-ing and follow their heart; it was a job that could provide for their family, and it became a job they love. I know I can sit here today because my dad has chosen a pathway that allows the pursuit of a certain level of comfort for his family. Does he love his job with a passion? I'm not sure, I tried asking him that, but the answers I got were more or less revolving around the idea that we do what we have to do and with much blessing, the pathway has paved more pathways to acquire happiness while not forgetting the certain level of comfort.
I know people who hold a full-time job they may or may not enjoy with their passion, but it gives them the resources to pursue their real passion albeit at a more "part-time" rate. And I can't say they are any less happier than those who went all out to pursue their passion and antagonize the idea of material pursuits. My friend reminded me the other day that we don't have to be afraid of being labelled as sell-out just because we chose to pursue a certain level of material resources at certain stages in life. He also mentioned how people tend to put those who go all out and leave their families in shambles, and how we put them on the pedestal of bravery. While I agree a certain level of sacrifice is needed to achieve the greatness in life, my personal values in life don't find me agreeing with it totally.
Money is not our enemy. The pursuit of it is not our enemy. Our mindset of this pursuit, that's the darkness we have to be afraid of. When the never-enough mindset sets in, when the pursuit becomes the priority all the time, that's the source of unhappiness. Again, even for someone like my dad who understands the need to provide for his family, and has worked tirelessly for it can ask me "How much is enough?" and proceed to tell me that it will never be enough, and we will soon tire before anything ever becomes enough.
Again, I believe in passion, I really do believe in the the fire that lights up one's eyes. It's an amazing sight most of us never forget, and never forget feeling when we are called to its time. But ask yourself, are we putting those who antagonize material pursuits because we truly believe the pursuit of it is evil, or are we projecting our hopes and secret wishes on those who dare step beyond such pursuits? Because right this moment, I can tell you that those hopes and wishes can come true, without you sacrificing everything. It's not an either-or. It's a matter of understanding where and when is enough.
I hope as I begin my career, this particular piece of writing is something that grounds me. Who knows if I can still vouch for the same when I begin my career, when put into the "real world"? But I sure do hope that my values don't get lost in this pursuit.
(Image source: http://i1.sndcdn.com/artworks-000025881042-y56l6c-crop.jpg?f6d22d0)
What do you trust?
P.S: Have a look at this article. It's gives an interesting insight on how financial planning should be based on our true values. I believe it provides a window of the possibility of achieving a certain balance and optimization between comfort and meaning.
No comments:
Post a Comment