Discovering True Wealth

Wealth is a dichotomous word.

It has two meanings:

An abundance of valuable possessions or money

Or

Well being

There is contrast in the definitions, and one is not synonymous with the other.

Most people will never be able to attain the first definition of wealth, but will spend the majority of their life in pursuit of it.

But the second definition, the one not many aim for, is accessible to almost anyone.

Thoreau had his own definition that I love:

This quote is often misused as a justification for lavished lifestyle, but if we look at Thoreau’s way of living, I think we can determine this was not his intention.

He was a staunch minimalist who built his own cabin, where he gardened and lived off the land in solitude. He spent his time reading, writing and observing nature. Some of his views towards life were:

“As you simplify your life, the laws of the universe will be simpler: solitude will not be solitude, poverty will not be poverty, nor weakness weakness.”

&

“I make myself rich by making my wants few”

Clearly this wasn’t a man telling you to amass as much wealth as possible so you can fulfill every fleeting desire in life.

So what exactly was the “full experience” he was tapping into?

A couple years ago, with a few extra zero’s in my bank account and a lot more worries in my mind, I couldn’t have told you.

Today, living on less than $400 each (Between my wife and I), with the freedom to enjoy each day as it comes, I think I might just understand.