I once worked in the wealth management industry, where I "had to" interact with extremely wealthy people. Lavish offices, sprawling apartments, trendy resorts in Italy and France—the whole glamorous package.
I admit, there was a certain charm in sitting on the Piazza San Marco on a warm night, glass of wine in hand, talking with fascinating people. Among those self-made individuals, I never met a mediocre mind.
Of course, wealth doesn’t solve existential problems, but it does ease life’s friction like prosecco, lubricant, and ibuprofen. It’s no wonder that getting used to the perks of wealth is quick and effortless.
But I’ve also had a completely opposite experience.
I’ve taken several trips to India, where I lived like a monk. Harsh surroundings, simple food, total silence, and ten hours of sitting meditation each day, whether in the cold or heat.
All around me were unfamiliar Indians, mostly from the poorest segments of society.
Here, we each tried to solve our existential dilemmas by sacrificing pleasures and comfort. Strangely enough, I also got used to these self-imposed limitations very quickly.
In fact, it took effort to return to the chaos of worldly life.
Which is better—wealth or asceticism? I don’t know, but I’ve seen how both paths can turn a person’s life into hell.
I prefer the middle way in Buddhism. It’s where, instead of swinging between two extremes, a person strives to find that “in-between” state.
Enough without excess. Quiet joys of life without guilt or shame.
When desires are neither indulged nor suppressed, you have the chance to study them and better understand yourself and others.
Sincerely yours,
-Alexander
About me:
As a business therapist, I help tech founders quickly solve dilemmas at the intersection of business and personality, and boost company value as a result.
How can I help you?
If you've long been trying to understand what is limiting you and/or your business and how to finally give important changes a push, then The Catalyst Session is designed specifically for you. Book it here.