The Easy Life

Somewhere along the way, we begin to realize that easy life doesn’t really exist – at least not in the way we may have initially thought it would. At some point in time, many of us have entertained the life of fortune, perhaps in hopes of avoiding responsibility, work, or simply to have enough money to spend without worrying on a regular basis. However, everything has a cost or a balance that needs to be maintained. Money isn’t a ticket out of responsibility – life demands usefulness, regardless of money.

When we think about the stereotypical “rich kid” who receives a lot of money from the parents, that inheritance doesn’t come with ingrained sense of respect and accomplishment for oneself. Money entails responsibility, expectation, and usefulness. Of course, the money can easily be thrown away through reckless habits or lifestyle choices – only to bring further shame upon the one who’s spent family inheritance upon temporary indulgences.

Money is responsibility. It’s sad to think about gaining plentiful wealth, to simply become self-indulgent, stagnant, feel apathy for the wellbeing and progress of the world. Moreover, some of the wealthiest people I’ve met have been terribly cheap and insecure. Money can easily become a crutch, a god, and a sense of identity for the rich. When money disappears, is a sense of self-respect still there? It’s a shame when money is used to bypass manners, being cordial, and living to excess indulgence. Money itself is not wrong, it’s how we see ourselves in connection to money that can lead to potential trouble.

On the other hand, hard times have their meaning and purpose. When we have less around us to distract, comfort, and to keep ourselves entertained, we’re then less inclined to be in touch with ourselves in the present moment. We begin to differentiate ourselves from our stuff. Figuring out who we are and establishing a sense of self-respect can be a difficult and long process. We are naturally inclined to take the easy way out. While the easy way out may provide more entertainment, it’s not likely to provide more satisfaction.

A life of distraction, comfort, and ease is not a strong life. The further we look to comfort to keep us happy, the less stable we will be when hardships come. Hardships aren’t a walk in the park, but once are properly dealt with, a sense of satisfaction runs deep as character is developed. Having a healthy sense of self-respect far outweighs any pleasure, entertainment, or distraction that one has to pay for by money. We would be wise to never allow jealousy of wealth to trouble our minds - what lies within us is far greater than what lies outside of us.

For further related reading, please check out: The Island.