by Manuela Timofte

Since we were little, we have known that money means value. Thus, we begin to evaluate ourselves and those around us by the brand they wear, by the size of their villa or castle, by the make of their car, by the amount of gold they display. We see the value of a person through the shine of metal, stones, chairs, and the name on office doors. We put aside humanity, honesty, and sincerity, making room for cowardice, cunning, larceny, theft, hatred, and revenge.

“However, we are not told that there are so many rich people who drown their unhappiness in alcohol, sex and drugs, who are so bored with life and that exterior wealth that they feel entitled to everything. They come to believe that they are all-powerful and immortal, and they see the common man as a servant whose sole purpose is to meet their demands, only to discard them like an unwanted item once they are no longer useful. And all this because of the veil of darkness created by selfishness, where being at the top means power and wealth, and their existence in someone’s life means decision-making power over their fellow men and their lives…” (excerpt from the manuscript).

In contrast, the simple person gladly offers from the little he has and cherishes what he has. He does not forget to thank and ask for forgiveness, and he finds joy even in their work through laughter and song. Those who consider themselves great and strong, who believe they are godlike, place their worth in their accumulated wealth. They fail to understand that “wealth is like salt water, the more you drink, the thirstier you are.” (Schopenhauer) (excerpt from The Garden of Love — Our Inner Wealth)

They think they are happy, but in their pursuit of wealth and greatness, they are more unhappy than average individuals. They have lost the spiritual wealth that we come into the world with, which Schopenhauer calls a condition of happiness.

They forget that “We are but shadow and dust. Who knows whether the gods will add tomorrow to the days already past?” (Horace).

They have forgotten “that you take the same steps to the top of the mountain as to its base” (from the laws of Zamolxis)

They have forgotten that everything in life is paid for sooner or later, living as if they are immortal.

If you strip away their status — removing their chair, their office door sign, and the wealth they have acquired through theft, betrayal, and lies — you will discover that they are more pitiable than the poorest among us.

They are pitiable because they are empty inside.

References:

• Arthur Schopenhauer – Essays
• Manuela Timofte – Garden of Love – Our Inner Wealth
• The Laws of Zamolxis

Manuela

The article was originally posted on https://medium.com 

Photo by Michaela St on Unsplash