Back to purpose. The quest of having conquered material necessities, and satisfied each and every one of those to a point that 90% of scenarios for the future can't even fathom a failure in that. So, what now? Got mine covered. Got Lily covered. Got Ellie covered. Got Kami covered. Got my crew covered. Can't cover the world.
Or can I?
Could I become a billionaire? Definitely not. Though I do account for over-average inflation, extra-ordinary events, and all that stuff, a billion USD or EUR is nothing I'd be comfortable with. A million, one day, maybe. That's within the range, actually, with inflation progressing. Some scenarios have me being a millionaire in around 20 years, others in 15. Depending also on that tedious search for a purpose. Right now, it's business.
Which shortens the fuse.
The million-balloon of net-worth would pop earlier if I keep up like this. Involuntarily. All that money I'm saving by not having Lily with me, I kind if hate it. I do preserve it, of course, investing, multiplying, strategizing. Who needs how much for college? And then there's priorities.
Who's college?
There are many bright kids around that could do much good for the world with a proper education. I believe in education above all. For me, that's where everything starts. And every kid needs a different kind of education. My coworker's kid is pretty brilliant, but having a hard time in the regular school system. A Waldorf system would benefit him. So that would be a good thing to invest spare money, right?
Another layer.
And suddenly it's not only my crew as latest layer I want to maintain, but their kids, too, not only indirectly by a well paying job, but directly, by sponsoring a specific education. Or should I just raise the wage? That could work, too. It's interesting to review how they all, since they worked with me, have changed, shifted priorities. Me included. Interaction never leaves one side unscathed, we learn from each other, change with each other.
Still - none of them is as good with money as I.
Perks of having grown around hard & smart earned wealth I guess. It rubs off. The most valuable part is being able to just not spend when not necessary. Discern "indispensable" from "but I'd really like that right now". Short term joy from long term prosperity, which honestly brings so much more joy. Because now, almost all the time, I can "really just get this right now". That discipline, conquering the impulse, is what holds wealth together and keeps it combined with happiness.
Resist the dopamine.
It's not happiness. You can't win that game. You can beat it by not playing, staying away from it. Assessing. Thinking. Using rationale. It's not bad to spend on a "want" instead of a "need" from time to time, even if not all "need" are satisfied. Well placed, thoughtfully played, it can be quite useful and motivating to keep on.
To remind you that there's more.
In both directions. When you're still hustling, barely making it: There's something sweet coming from it. When you're done hustling, becoming comfortable: It's not just the material. There's much more, and you're free to enjoy it now, but there are others that are still making their way. Friends, family, unknowns. With time, and experience, comes a kind of sense and understanding of humans. Who can do what is capable of what, who can mange their money in what way. Sometimes I'd love to be saving up for everyone. Being in control of their spending, so they don't give away that much money on what I deem waste.
But I can't.
Each by their own. That is one of the most difficult lessons. Even by meaning well, we can do a lot of damage. We can't be someone else. We can't decide for them. If they seek us out, ask us, sure, we can give advice. But it's up to them. Sometimes I hate that a lot. Sometimes I think I could do so much good. Suddenly, I remember the responsibility that it implies. And the extra work. Like having even more children.
And it passes.
I do my best. By me, by my family, by my crew, my friends. That, I can control. What they make of it - I can't.
What are your thoughts about this topic? Please feel free to engage in any original way, including dropping links to your posts on similar topics. I'm happy to read (and curate) any quality content that is not created by LLM/AI, as well as read your own experience and point of view, I love to learn!
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