“I love money. I love everything about it. I bought some pretty good stuff. Got me a $300 pair of socks. Got a fur sink. An electric dog polisher. A gasoline powered turtleneck sweater. And, of course, I bought some dumb stuff, too.” –Steve Martin
Dear Kids:
My letters to you and previous conversations with you have dwelt on the balance we all need to have a fulfilling and purposeful life. Why are we here on earth? What is your role as a fellow human being? Survival and being happy? Helping one another? The common good?
Reality
You may be thinking about what’s next in your lives. You know – jobs, careers, partners, education, and many other choices. Whatever comes next, you are aware that your livelihood depends on your ability to work and be compensated in terms of money. Cash, currency, or something that you can use to pay for food, lodging, etc..
What is it that makes you happy? Survival depends on having work; happiness comes with meaningful work. Finding that type of work is a job unto itself.
There are two ways to interpret the topic of “money rules.”
- Rules as a noun, as in “instructions” or “guidelines.”
- Rules as a verb, as in “dictates” or “controls.”
Noun: Money Rules
Let’s look at a few quotes from over the years that I have heard:
- “The Golden Rule: Those who have the gold, rule.”
- “Money is the source of evil.”
- “When they say that it’s not about the money, it’s about the money.”
- “Follow the money.”
- “Don’t make money your god.”
While all of these quotes have seeds of wisdom, it is important to think about money as a means to an end rather than an end in itself. Too many times, we think of money as a competition to have more and buy things that make us feel better about ourselves in relation to others. It’s foolish to place such a high value on wealth that serves only a selfish purpose.
Verb: Money Rules
Unfortunately, people who have vast amounts of money can wield influence and power over others. As an example, money can deter our elected political representatives from fulfilling their oaths of office by making decisions based on their selfish interests rather than on the interests of their country.
Even within our organizations, the power of the paycheck can intimidate employees to act unethically or immorally. There could be a time when losing a job or a promotion will be more important than selling out your own ethics and values. The end does not justify unscrupulous means.
Mission-Centered
At some point, you will figure out “who” you are and “why” you are here. This discernment takes a lot of thought, experience, and reflection. For some of us, this takes a lifetime; for others maybe a little quicker. (Some of us, never.)
I have had jobs that were philosophically consistent with me – lined up quite well – nearly mutually mission congruent. Other jobs that merely served as stepping stones for paying bills and supporting our family. In those situations, my personal mission was embedded in other roles: coaching kids, writing, volunteering, or “grandfathering.” (The latter is my favorite.)
I have all the confidence in you grandkids that you will figure it out. You already have the foundation that was provided by your parents.
With all my love, Poppy
Braidwood Beginnings 