Whenever I begin a new class at the local university I teach at, I always ask “What is your goal in life?” Depending on the time of year and the class size, seasonal economics affecting the overall mood (bonus time and the like), I invariably get one or two people who will respond with, “I want to be rich!” The philosopher in me springs forth and my riposte is “And How?” This is usually met with a somewhat resentful, stony silence, as if to say, “That is phase two: first I need the desire.” I then pounce with the further affirmation: Money is not free. “Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work,” to quote Thomas Edison (1847-1931). I often wonder if most of us are really prepared for the absolute “grind” that the achievement of “financial success” actually takes — I think not. As with any career, a requisite amount of time must be paid into it for the occupation to be successful.
Many times, the individual must subject him or herself to the most inane of activities just to obtain the trusted lucre that will set us free, at least in theory. The Klondike Gold Rush especially comes to mind. This “was a migration by an estimated 100,000 prospectors to the Klondike region of the Yukon in north-western Canada between 1896 and 1899. Gold was discovered there by local miners on August 16th, 1896. When news reached Seattle and San Francisco the following year, it triggered “a stampede” of prospectors. Some became wealthy, but the majority went in vain. It is thought that of the estimated 30,000 to 40,000 people who reached Dawson City during the gold rush, only around 15,000 to 20,000 finally became prospectors. Of these, no more than 4,000 struck gold and only a few hundred became rich,” (1) that is only .5% of the total for those statisticians amongst us. It would be incorrect to claim that we do not need money, however. But, we must receive it as one component of a fulfilling life. “Success is the progressive realization a worthy ideal.” (2) If we are doing what we are called to do, as in the case of a doctor or a teacher, the financial compensation is the result, not the focus.
There is another approach to life that appears to have currency, as well. That arena is occupied by the mystic, saint or sadhu who withdraws from and renounces “worldly life” to have a closer relationship with God or the cosmos. If I always see other beings as exterior from me, this is considered by many to be the only true connection with reality. (3) I have been in many monasteries, temples and holy places in my existence and, though this life appears attractive to some, it is not my vocation. I much prefer the daily interactive struggles that will eventually bring me to the completion of my own life mission. In this I am not alone, I am sure. What I do remark on is that the only real gift we receive as human beings is the bequest of time when we are first born. This is something that we cannot renew. We can make our money once again; with plastic surgery, we can diminish age and restore our beauty, at least temporarily. But time is gone, never to be replaced. It is an important lesson that we must impart to everyone that we know and love: our time is fleeting and ephemeral in the annals of history. The great writer and social activist, Jack London (1876-1916), leaves us with a thought:
I would rather be ashes than dust!
I would rather that my spark should burn out in a brilliant blaze than it should be stifled by dry-rot.
I would rather be a superb meteor, every atom of me in magnificent glow, than a sleepy and permanent planet.
The function of man is to live, not to exist.
I shall not waste my days trying to prolong them.
I shall use my time. (4)
A closing thought: From an early age, we are inundated with expectations – some we give ourselves, but the far higher amount is thrust upon us by those who “love us” and deeply care for us. At about twenty years of age, the few that break free of societal assumptions and subsequently forge their own path, the painters, poets and sages of history, will find fulfillment in life. This does not necessarily mean peace, but it does border on completion of the self-journey.
To sum up: This week, we spoke about the concept of freedom and its real meaning.
A philosophical question: Why must we always ask why? This is because some must.
Just for fun – Christina Perri
This week, please reflect on what your personal freedom means to you.
Every day look for something magical and beautiful.
Quote: I must be true to myself and only I will know if I am honest or not.
Footnotes:
2) The Strangest Secret by Earl Nightingale
4) Jack London: The Bulletin, San Francisco, California, December 2, 1916, part 2, p. 1.