“It is not the man who has too little, but the man who craves more, that is poor.”
– Lucius Annaeus Seneca
The quote above comes from philosopher Seneca the Younger. In one of his essays, Seneca described how the trappings of wealth – lavish homes, expensive jewelry, an army of servants – only serve to make a person want more.
We’ve explored this idea of defining wealth (or a lack thereof) at Liberty Through Wealth. In Alexander Green’s article “Just How Much Is Enough?,” he explains that you cannot define wealth by money alone. Even millionaires don’t always consider themselves wealthy.
Just as Seneca observed in ancient Rome, Alex wrote, “No matter what some people have, they will consider it inadequate when they learn what others have.”
The same concept applies in the world of business. Though Whole Foods has become one of the world’s most successful and admired companies, CEO John Mackey is not merely chasing profits.
His mission is to improve the world. He literally wrote the book on how to unify people around a higher purpose.
As Alex said, “The book won’t just make you a better businessperson and a better investor. It will make you a better human being.”
All this contemplation got us thinking… what does wealth mean to Liberty Through Wealth readers?
So we asked: What makes you feel wealthy?
Here are some of our favorite responses:
- A healthy marriage, decent and respectful children, a future for my soul and having a six-month emergency fund and a diversified investment portfolio all make me feel wealthy.
- Not needing money is good, along with a little love in my life. The feeling that I add to the lives of those who walk this Earth with me.
- Good health makes me wealthy.
- Financial independence and security.
- Being healthy, happy. Having someone to share my happiness with.
- God, family, USA and my wife’s chocolate chip cookies, in that order. I am very blessed.
You can click here to join the conversation on Twitter. And click here to add to the discussion on Facebook.
As we approach Thanksgiving, we hope you take the time to ponder this question. There are so many things to be thankful for in addition to financial wealth.
With all of the things that make life worth living…
You’re probably wealthier than you think.
Note: Comments may have been edited for spelling, grammar and/or clarity.