Just mention the word “rich,” and it conjures up thoughts of countless dollar bills all bundled together in tidy piles, stacked perfectly in a leather briefcase. There is no doubt that being wealthy is an enormously fascinating topic for the general public. As an illustration, Forbes Magazine produces a wildly popular yearly edition, which offers specific details into the financial position of America’s richest people. On the other hand, television promotes the frenzy, airing a wide variety of shows which focus on the extravagant lifestyles of the rich and famous. Although it is true that most people define rich in terms of large sums of money, others would argue that true riches are quantified in loving relationships and lives filled with
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Ask a group of people to rank their top goals in life, and most would list having great wealth in their top few. A classic example is offered by Tevye, who in the hit musical, Fiddler on the Roof, begins with a soliloquy admonishing God for his plight in life, saying, “I realize of course, that it’s no shame to be poor, but it’s no great honor, either.” Illustrating his point in the first unforgettable song, he enumerates the wonderful things he could accomplish “if (he) were a biddy, biddy rich.” He fantasizes that with money, he could buy a mansion, a chef, an assortment of animals, and a special seat in the synagogue. Tevye is not alone in his pursuit of money. Indeed, countless number of people play the lottery religiously, gamble excessively, work tirelessly, and invest endlessly, all with the goal of obtaining significant wealth. Having a lot of money certainly relieves stress by providing financial freedom, but there are other ways to enjoy a rich …show more content…
“Granddaddy” was a World War II Veteran who relished the opportunity to fight for his country as he traveled all over the world. Near the end of his tour, his service ended in combat injury, earning him a distinguished purple heart. While he enjoyed forty-five years of marriage, cancer eventually took the life of his beloved wife. Not only did Granddaddy own and operate his business, but he also chose to work until he was well into his eighties. Equally meaningful to him were the yearly summer vacations spent at his beloved Myrtle Beach, surrounded by all of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. The best illustration of Granddaddy’s life was voiced by Abraham Lincoln who said, “And in the end, it’s not the years in your life that count. It’s the life in your years.” Indeed, my great-grandfather’s very rich life included lots of years that truly counted.
The truth is that people put a high priority on being monetarily wealthy because financial struggles are an overwhelming burden. In reality, most would feel rich if they had enough money to pay the bills, provide an education for their children, and take their family on a vacation. In contrast, an ancient proverb suggests, “If you want to feel rich, just count all the things you have that money cannot buy.”
Ask a group of people to rank their top goals in life, and most would list having great wealth in their top few. A classic example is offered by Tevye, who in the hit musical, Fiddler on the Roof, begins with a soliloquy admonishing God for his plight in life, saying, “I realize of course, that it’s no shame to be poor, but it’s no great honor, either.” Illustrating his point in the first unforgettable song, he enumerates the wonderful things he could accomplish “if (he) were a biddy, biddy rich.” He fantasizes that with money, he could buy a mansion, a chef, an assortment of animals, and a special seat in the synagogue. Tevye is not alone in his pursuit of money. Indeed, countless number of people play the lottery religiously, gamble excessively, work tirelessly, and invest endlessly, all with the goal of obtaining significant wealth. Having a lot of money certainly relieves stress by providing financial freedom, but there are other ways to enjoy a rich …show more content…
“Granddaddy” was a World War II Veteran who relished the opportunity to fight for his country as he traveled all over the world. Near the end of his tour, his service ended in combat injury, earning him a distinguished purple heart. While he enjoyed forty-five years of marriage, cancer eventually took the life of his beloved wife. Not only did Granddaddy own and operate his business, but he also chose to work until he was well into his eighties. Equally meaningful to him were the yearly summer vacations spent at his beloved Myrtle Beach, surrounded by all of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. The best illustration of Granddaddy’s life was voiced by Abraham Lincoln who said, “And in the end, it’s not the years in your life that count. It’s the life in your years.” Indeed, my great-grandfather’s very rich life included lots of years that truly counted.
The truth is that people put a high priority on being monetarily wealthy because financial struggles are an overwhelming burden. In reality, most would feel rich if they had enough money to pay the bills, provide an education for their children, and take their family on a vacation. In contrast, an ancient proverb suggests, “If you want to feel rich, just count all the things you have that money cannot buy.”