“We keep optimising for financial security and there will come a day when we will realise we have forgotten to live.”
“We keep optimising for financial security and there will come a day when we will realise we have forgotten to live.”
As we were talking with a member of our farming collective about our model, investments and more, the above comment from him sounded profound, yet so simple.
As humans, we have a natural inclination to seek financial security. We work hard, save money, invest, and make financial decisions to ensure that we have enough resources to meet our basic needs and provide for our families. Financial security is important as it provides us with a sense of stability and peace of mind, knowing that we can handle unexpected expenses and have a safety net for the future.
So far so good.
But things become interesting and worth ruminating when, in our pursuit of financial security, we may sometimes become too focused on accumulating wealth and neglect other aspects of our lives that bring us joy, fulfillment, and a sense of purpose. We may prioritize our careers, chase after promotions or salary increases, and constantly strive for more money, material possessions, and financial gains. In this process, we may unintentionally sacrifice other important aspects of our lives.
It is possible that over time, we may realize that despite our financial success, we feel unfulfilled, stressed, and disconnected from the things that truly matter to us. Or, we may find ourselves caught in a cycle of working long hours, constantly worrying about money, and neglecting our personal well-being, hobbies, and relationships. We may feel like we are constantly chasing an elusive goal of financial security, without ever truly experiencing the joy of living in the present moment.
Which of course leads to that quintessential question for which definitive answers are elusive — ‘How much money is enough money’?”
While the answers can be varied and depend on tens of hundreds of individual parameters, the pursuit of financial security may also limit our ability to take risks, explore new experiences, and truly live our lives to the fullest.
It’s important to remember that financial security is indeed essential for our well-being, but it’s not the sole measure of a fulfilling life. True living involves finding a balance between financial security and other important aspects of our lives. It’s about aligning our financial goals with our values and priorities, and ensuring that we make conscious choices that enrich our lives holistically.
We are sure that most of us have grappled with this question. What are some of your thoughts about this? We would be interested in knowing your take on this.
