What Does It Mean To Be Rich?
There’s an awful lot of writing going on that suggests that “The Secret” and “The Law of Attraction” are scams designed to make people believe that they can get “rich” by purchasing a book or a set of tapes. In fact, the Law of Attraction is more of a set of principles which, when properly applied, can result in a person getting “rich.” There’s really no such thing as a get rich quick scenario, and I’ll explain why:
What is “Rich?” To most people, the word has financial connotations. If you’re rich, you have lots of money. Period. Having lots of money, in my humble opinion, makes a person wealthy, not rich. What’s the difference?
Wealth is a material possession. Being “rich” is a state of being. Being rich could encompass being wealthy, but being wealthy in and of itself can never make you rich.
To be rich is to be wealthy, healthy, happy, and loved. The sooner the Law of Attraction crowd takes an introspective look at their lives and sheds the self-imposed shackles that bind the concept of money to the idea of happiness, the better. Being rich is a package deal. What good is having all the money in the world if you have nobody to share it with?
In my personal meditation, I’ve discovered that my inner most desire is not financially oriented at all, but rather an expression of the desire for security. To the extent that money can provide a sense of security, it’s necessary. However, I also find security in the idea that I can fit everything precious to me in the back of my car and drive away tomorrow.
I love my wife. I cherish my child. I’m content (but not satisfied) with my living situation. I’m healthy. I’m rich.
on May 3, 2007 on 11:27 pm
[...] May 3rd, 2007 by Clyde Ok, this is going to seem a bit odd for a post but just read this. [...]
on May 4, 2007 on 2:27 pm
I agree with part of your post, but disagree with the comment “What good is having all of the money in the world if you have no one to share it with?”
There is ALWAYS many ways to share money – giving to people you love, charities, build a new orphanage etc etc etc. Money cannot buy a person happiness, but it can buy you FREEDOM and that can bring a LOT of happiness. (not going to a job you hate etc).
A good person with tons of money can make a huge contribution to the world. I do agree that a person can be rich without money. Money just helps you spread the joy around a bit more.
I’m new in the Blog business – my first post was “Is Desiring Massive Wealth Selfish”? Since I am really new, I’m not sure if you can link to it from this reply, but I suppose you probably can.