If you want to feel rich, just count the things you have that money can’t buy. – Proverb
Cleaning up the Drafts file. Six years back or so.
Guess that means – I’m no mathematician – now it’s half a century. Longer even.
Came across a note I’d made almost forty-five years ago. Gives you some idea of the condition of my workspace. And the saintliness of my spouse.
The note quoted Ray Kroc, chairman of McDonald’s, referencing his favorite homily. Which goes something like this:
Nothing in the world can take the place of Persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent.
Below the quote, written by a skinny kid who might just benefit from such words, were a few words of his own. Here’s what I wrote four decades ago.
Of course, the question which rests so heavily is…what is success? Money, happiness, prestige, power, love…? all of these, or none, or some, or even just one. America seems to think money is all of the others.
We’re talking about the days before the Quarter Pounder. I didn’t have a computer in 1971, so I didn’t know then who actually voiced that dollop of wisdom. I didn’t know the next line of that homily.
The slogan ‘Press On’ has solved and always will solve the problems of the human race. – Calvin Coolidge
In 2015, old and lean, I know, I think I know, a few more answers – there’s not just one – to the question.
Money is definitely good for paying the bills and providing much freedom.
But, primarily, it’s best understood, money is just a tool. Nothing more.
Talent is a gift. So, too, is genius.
Education is a ticket to ride the life train.
You can train yourself to have persistence and determination.
Think about that.
Omnipotence – at some level – is within your reach….
Stretch a little and try to grab some.