Started Xmas dinner stuff, other odds and ends
4 hours ago
Tuesday, August 9, 2016
Money and Experience
There are some things I don't have the money to experience. For example, I really can't buy an airplane and get a pilot's license. The few times I've been up in small private planes I've really enjoyed myself.
There are some things that I probably could stretch the budget for but it's not worth it. ATVs are fun to drive, but for me, not high enough up on the fun/cost ratio. I'd rather spend the money on a sailboat because that's a lot more enjoyable for me.
Limited funds dictate what a person can experience.
Ever wonder if you missed out in life because you lacked the funds to discover and develop a native talent? It reminds me of the story about the General who dies and goes to heaven. He asks St. Peter to meet the best military mind that ever lived. St. Peter shows him a meek looking guy. The General recognizes the man as a cobbler he knew. That can't be the best military mind, said the General. Yes he was said St. Peter, but he never was in a position to command armies.
A nice high paying job has handcuffs of its own. Getting enough free time to so something really interesting with that money is the problem. Then there's the status thing. What someone does with their “free” time is judged by their peers. A quick trip to Hawaii to a high end resort has more status than a week of gigging frogs in the bayou. Heaven help the executive who might actually enjoy the bayou trip more.
Of course, the sort of person who does well in a high power job probably doesn't know how to kick back and relax. They know more is better so there would be no joy in a small boat. Besides, the trophy wife wouldn't set foot on a boat too small. She did marry an image that has to be maintained.
Then there are those who were born into privilege and leisure. The world is their playground. Even so, I do not regret the struggles that developed my character. It takes a lot of grinding to make a sharp knife.
While my means may be somewhat limited, my situation is better than most in human History. It would be a shame to miss out on the things I can do.
-Sixbears
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"...my situation is better than most in human History."
ReplyDeleteYup! #1, I eat everyday and have the figure to prove it. #2, warm, dry safe place to lay my head every night. #3, medical and dental care. Although my annual income is just above the poverty line for the US, I'm in the top 14% for the world. Most of my problems are First World ones.
Sometimes we need a little perspective.
DeleteAs a nation, we definitely spend too much time fretting about the things we can't afford than enjoying the things we can. We can blame Wall Street ads all we want, but the final decision is ours.
ReplyDeleteIndeed it is. I'm glad I don't watch TV commercials as all they do is tell you about things that are missing in your life.
DeleteWhat about an electrical bicycle. One of those units that are added onto a standard bicycle. With your skills as a tinkerer, I'll bet you could afford that and take it along inside your boat for quick runs to town. Just a thought.
ReplyDeleteI agree with the comments above, the average American everyday trials pale to comparison with what other world citizens have to contend with. As in potable water. Food (in Venezuela's case). Reliable electric power. And affordable medicines.
We take so much for granted.
DeleteI've considered converting my bike to electric. It's tempting.
Don't convert your bicycle without talking to us first. ;)
DeleteDeal!
DeleteI am content with what I have. And sometimes those who have less enjoy more.
ReplyDeleteThere is much to be said for having less stuff and more fun.
DeleteThe closer one gets to the end of their life, the larger the list grows of the things they wish they had done.
ReplyDeleteSad but true. I hope to get a few more big ones in before the long dirt nap.
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