You Do

Once in a while I like to go to fancy stores where all the employees have to dress like they are going to the opera, and almost everything is far out of my price range. I like to go to these kinds of stores mostly because they are fun to browse. They have unique and sometimes high-quality things that you can't find anywhere else. Once in a while I will even splurge and buy something from one of these stores.

But when I go to expensive stores, I also often start to wonder what it would be like to have enough money to buy anything, or as many things as I liked from one of those places. What if I could buy the finest of everything? What if I could have all the rooms in my house look like the perfect and beautiful displays in the stores? After thinking about this question for some time, I decided that I wouldn't want to be able to buy everything in an expensive store, and of course I have my reasons.

My first reasoning is that it would be a waste. I have most things I need, and buying more would just be wrong for me and for the planet. I don't need to cause more pollution and waste just so I can have a pretty house. Second of all, if I had that much money, I would want to use it for more productive things, like helping others, trying new experiences, or creating something that will help the world. I'm not entirely sure what that would look like, but if I had the money, I'm sure I would figure it out. I'm not a perfect person, but I definitely wouldn't enjoy keeping all of that kind of money to myself.

My last reason for not wanting the finest of everything is my most important reason. It's a lie. I think if you have so much money that you never have to think about the cost of anything, it is easy to get sucked into your own little world of imported linens, handmade soap, and the best cookware. You start to expect only the best, and you start to forget that there are people who don't even have a toilet or running water. Or at the very least you start to disconnect from how those people might feel. This is dangerous because if we only think of ourselves, we are actually unconsciously destroying ourselves and our world. It may not happen quickly, but if you neglect others it will eventually catch up to you. We are only as strong as our weakest link. If we refuse to share what we have with others, we are only making that weak link weaker.

I know not all rich people are bad and want to hoard their money. But I know that lots of money can often put a strange spell of selfishness and greed over some people. Don't let the money lie to you and tell you that you have everything you need. You need friends more than a new car. You need a planet more than a new house. You need love and understanding in the world more than a diamond ring. Believe me. You do.