There is no denying that money is important for leading a good life. It is even more important to a person who has seen tough times in his childhood. Money is everything to him.
But we must keep a balance as too much of everything is bad. The key is finding a balance between having too little and having too much—and that’s no easy task.
“Happiness, not gold or prestige, is the ultimate currency.”
Real wealth is NOT how you are doing compared to your neighbours and relatives, it’s not indicated by your income and it’s certainly not demonstrated by how nice your car or golf clubs or vacations are!
Wealth instead is having a strong net worth that allows you more freedom from the financial stresses in life and allows you to spend time and focus on the things in life which actually make you happy.
Therefore, accumulate only that much which you can spend in your lifetime; leading a simple life. If you have earned more, donate a part of it or use it for the benefit of society at an age of your choice.
Wealth Makes People Arrogant
In Hinduism, it is said that Kaliyuga (featuring Indulgence, Lies, Lust, Enmity, and Passion) resides in Alcoholism, Gambling, Womanizing, Violence, and Passion for Wealth. Doesn’t it sound like today’s world?
Some may be surprised to see money/wealth in this list. But it is very true. It takes time (sometimes several births) to realize this fact.
When you have money, people who may enter your life include those seeking financial opportunities, individuals interested in your lifestyle or social connections, people looking for favors or handouts, potential business partners, and individuals (including spouse) who are drawn in by your financial stability. Such people are opportunistic at best and don’t love you for who you are, instead they make a relationship with you for the money/status that you have.
In company of such people, you become more and more proud, arrogant and braggart.
People go to luxury hotels, buy high end cars, etcetera more because its a status symbol and to boast of it among friends and relatives. That’s the reason people are more interested in taking selfies than to enjoy at a hill station or beach.
People need limitless money to go to luxury hotels, clubs, eat out at restaurants, enjoy expensive liquor, and more such things that are nothing but showoff.
If you want to make money to build reputation and to prove to the society that you are doing great. Then it will only bring more pain in your life.
If you want to go on a vacation to a luxury resort, go for it. Just don’t boast of it when talking to friends and relatives. Also avoid posting images on social media.
Basically, never will of pain for others as it will bring pain to you. Never will of making other people envy or jealous of your lifestyle as it will make you more jealous of people who are more wealthier than you. What you give, you get in return.
Once you realize that all you get when you reach the top (professionally, financially, or in power) is nothing but a zero, you find out that you have been running after maya for no use. Wealth accumulation brings no happiness after a limit. In fact, the correlation between money and happiness decreased.