Many believe that money can bring them happiness, by buying expensive goods and services. However, spending money aimlessly can actually lead to unhappiness. Without understanding the true nature of money, people can become trapped in the never-ending pursuit of worldly pleasures. I was lucky to learn the important relationship between money and happiness relatively inexpensively from two watches.
Upon finishing junior high school in Japan, my uncle gifted me a highly popular G-Shock watch. Rarely receiving such a gift, I was thrilled and wore it daily, including during my high school exchange program in the US a few years later. Unfortunately, during a band practice, I took the watch off and left it behind in the practice room. When I returned the next day, the watch was nowhere to be found. The careless loss of this special gift from my uncle left me with a deep sense of guilt.
Twenty years later, I purchased the same model watch online for redemption. Surprisingly, despite being in better condition than the lost watch, I didn’t feel much joy. The only positive feeling was having the watch back, and I realized that I didn’t appreciate it solely for its quality even though it is a solid and stylish watch. Despite this realization, the act of my uncle giving me the watch had a profound impact on me, since it influenced me to give thoughtful gifts to the people who matter to me.
A few years ago, when my tutoring student graduated from high school, I gifted him a G-Shock watch. As he had been a dedicated student, I wanted to give him a practical gift he could use daily. Seeing him wear that watch brings me joy and satisfaction surpassing my feelings towards my reacquired lost watch. Also, I hope that this gesture will inspire him to be generous to those around him.
Through this experience, I have realized that material possessions for personal gratification only provide momentary satisfaction. On the other hand, giving thoughtful gifts to others brings greater joy and contentment. As humans historically relied on cooperation for survival, helping others naturally brings greater satisfaction than solely pursuing self-interest.
Therefore, it is crucial to consider the meaning of money and build assets with a purpose. Although accumulating wealth may bring a temporary sense of accomplishment, the desire for more is never fully satisfied. Instead, creating a purposeful asset-building plan can help individuals find greater fulfillment and happiness in their lives.
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The Well Tempered Investor 