"We need to make money in this life, Nonso," he said.
I couldn't help but laugh. Based on his current salary, he falls under the top 10% percent in this part of the world. People would do anything to be in his position. Honestly, I wish I was in his position.
Here is the funny thing: millions of people would do anything to be in my position right now.
I am not rich per se but if i am to judge myself based on the people in my community, I am currently in a decent position in life.
I have had people tell me how lucky I am to have the life that I have today, but most times i don’t understand because i am miles away from where i want to be.
Where should I be?
In a mansion, I guess--with a lot of money.
How much?
A couple thousand more…
It is all fugazi to me. The fact that people have to go to bed hungry doesn't make sense either, especially when I know there are people in the world who can afford to spend a million dollars on a jpeg.
I am fundamentally a minimalist in thought. I don't want more than I need. I am not a hoarder, I believe in abundance. So the idea of having more just for the fun of it doesn't always appeal to me.
I am not actively chasing money (I think) because I know it can never be enough. At some point in my life, I just need money for groceries. That seemed enough. Now I want millions in investment so I can feel safe and rich, but there is no safety net.
I have seen people both here and even in my community who have more than i can ever dream of chasing vanity. Some even get greedy--fighting and losing their reputation over peanuts. So it certainly isn’t about the money because many have it but they’re empty.
Don’t get me wrong, I have nothing against wanting to rich. I certainly don’t want to be broke on the streets singing ‘kumbaya’. However, i have seen a pattern amongst people from poor communities. They are so traumatized by poverty that they can only validate their existence through acquiring material things and they see everything and everyone through those lenses. I think that is a sad way to live.
There is a higher calling. Think about it this way: the most successful people on this planet are solving some sort of problem. What problem do you solve? It doesn’t have to be anything grand. It might be the littlest thing but someone needs it. Who needs you?
Lastly, have a rich and quality experience and there are three ways to achieve this:
Through your interactions; through the places you visit; and the knowledge you possess. And you want to pass that on to someone later in life because here is the thing: a lot of people aren’t living. Your life can inspire spur someone into great things.
Leaving you guys with this (unrelated) video:
