RICHES: AN INTERPRETATION
Edel and I were visiting the cozy bungalow of a day laborer and his family. The house
was small, but very tastefully furnished. It contained most of the modern
conveniences. The small yard showed evidence of a green thumb. The mortgage on
the house had been fully paid off. The husband had an income on which the family
could live comfortably, and he was assured a pension when his day of retirement
arrived. The total physical assets of this family would not exceed $12,000.
"I consider ourselves to be the richest family in town," she said with great pride. "We
have no financial worries" she continued, "and perfect harmony reigns throughout our
house."
If you have not attained this level of riches, you can think of it as your first plateau and
use the power you will gain from this site to lift you up to it. Upon reaching this
standard you can raise your sights once more and continue your climb to higher and
higher realms.
There are those on this earth who possess practically nothing of a material nature, but
who consider themselves rich, because of their happy minds and healthy bodies.
I do not believe any one of us should aspire to be a Croesus, because material riches
can engender unhappiness as easily as they can raise one to the heights of ecstasy.
At this point I am going to ask you a very pertinent question: "What is the greatest
good one may expect from riches?"
To have money in the bank; to own a palatial home; to be able to entertain lavishly; to
be able to travel anywhere anytime—in first-class manner—and to have a wardrobe
which would be the envy of all, are a few of the things you might consider as being the
advantages of riches.
Think of these things and anything else which might be associated with money and
you will still be wrong as far as an intelligent answer to the question is concerned.
The real reason for wanting riches is to be happy. This is the end result of all
accomplishment. Although one thinks his goal is riches, in reality he is seeking the
soul-satisfying happiness which comes with achievement; the riches are his reward for
attaining his objective.
At this point, let me cite a few illustrations which will make my point clear:
A New England capitalist had a unique way of spending his surplus money. He owned
a large, fully stocked farm. Each summer a large number of underprivileged children
was invited to spend a few weeks at this farm. The kiddies were given the best of
everything: fresh, pure dairy products; the best meats of all kinds; delicious fruits and
vegetables, etc. The boys and girls were under the supervision of affectionate, capable
attendants.
This philanthropist could not possibly be happier using his money in any other way. He
would retire at night with a smile as he thought of the joy he was giving to children who
were not used to it.
And then there is a generous financier in New York who gains his happiness in quite a
different way. He knows the value of home ownership and enjoys seeing young people
own their homes free and clear of all encumbrances. He is constantly on the lookout
for deserving young couples. When he finds one, he has his assistant make an
investigation to learn the extent of the mortgage and who holds it. This big-hearted
man arranges to have the mortgage paid off—anonymously—and a clear deed sent to
the worthy two.
It is not hard to imagine the peace of mind this open-handed individual is gaining from
life.
