Why do we as a people spend so much hard earned time and money purchasing so many items on a regular basis? Why do rich people purchase 10 cars, 5 houses, 3 hookers, 2 mistresses.....and a partridge in a pear treeeeeeeee... While sitting in a boring training yesterday, I actually learned something (of course, it didn't relate to my actual job, but it usually never does)....I learned that there are some kind of statistics, surveys, or whatever, which show that if we as a people actually gave away many of the "stuff" we have sitting in our garages and storage rooms, we could help millions of struggling people survive and help them meet their own basic needs......hmmmmmm. Makes you wonder sometimes what it all really means. I know that, for me, I always feel bad even when i lose like 50 bucks at a poker table, because I later wonder what else I could have done with that money. But what about on the level of millionaires, who spend like a million dollars on an old comic book, or old artifact or painting. Then, today, I come across an article about Bill Gates and his wife donating $290 million to schools. Say what you want about the guy, but you can't deny that he actually does give away a lot of his money every year. And what he does can actually have long term positive effects on society. What does your third porche do for mankind? Oh, and let me make sure I mention this one thing before anyone gets nutty.. I understand that "rich" people out there (at least the ones who weren't born with it) have worked, and continue to work, extremely hard and deserve every penny they have made. But, I just sometimes wonder why some of them feel the need to "over do it" when it comes to what possessions and/or 'stuff' they now wish to surround themselves with once the money is in the bank. Many people often dream about what they would do with a million dollars, including myself. And I can admit that I would be taking my newly rich a$$ to the local luxury car dealerships and purchase a nice car to go along with a new home. But after that, how much 'stuff' do I really need. Would I need an 8 bedroom house when its only me, my future wife, and maybe a kid or two? How about this? Instead of spending 1 million dollars on the original spiderman comic book, why not use that money to help feed, clothe and house needy children or something?
The "why" is most important. Why do I do what I do? Why do I invest my time, money and energy? Why will I not give up? Some people learn the hard way that money and what it can buy cannot satisfy ultimately, but only reveal what is inside! No misunderstanding: We need money and it is good to be have plenty - but not to drown yourself. Instead use it like Bill Gates and many others to make a lasting difference! That is very satisfying.