If Money Were No Object

Summary

The article discusses the philosophical approach to money as a tool rather than the end goal, emphasizing personal fulfillment and the abundance of the world.

Abstract

The author reflects on the concept of money, drawing from personal experiences and the perspective of a friend, Rasheed Hooda, who believes in the universe's provision without worrying about cash flow. The article cites William Hutchison Murray's thoughts on commitment and the support that follows, contrasting different life choices that lead to similar beliefs in self-sufficiency and the universe's bounty. The author reveals a personal inclination towards travel, especially in retirement, and encourages the use of money as a means to enjoy life rather than accumulating it without purpose.

Opinions

Money should not be the primary objective but a means to achieve personal goals and enjoyment.
The universe provides for those who commit to their dreams and take initiative.
Self-sufficiency and the use of available resources are important, whether through steady employment or an entrepreneurial lifestyle.
Travel is a way to fulfill dreams and make the most of life, as money's value is in its ability to facilitate experiences, not as an end in itself.
The future is uncertain, so it's important to use money to enhance present life, rather than merely saving it.

It’s a tool, not the object

At what point are any of us able to say “money is no object” and mean it? I know that my friend Rasheed Hooda would say that money is never a problem — or, as he wrote in Why I Didn’t Worry When My Cash Flow Stopped:

All I need to do is show up in the world with what I have to offer, that’s all.

We live in an abundant world. There is more than enough for everyone. When the time arrives, our needs are fulfilled in some mysterious way.

Most of us don’t have Rasheed’s sense of confidence that the universe will provide — even if he and I share a favorite quotation from William Hutchison Murray published “The Scottish Himalayan Expedition”:

Until one is committed there is hesitancy, the chance to draw back, always ineffectiveness. Concerning all acts of initiative (and creation), there is one elementary truth, the ignorance of which kills countless ideas and splendid plans: that the moment one definitely commits oneself, then Providence moves too.

All sorts of things occur to help one that would never otherwise have occurred. A whole stream of events issues from the decision, raising in one’s favour all manner of unforeseen incidents and meetings and material assistance, which no man could have dreamt would have come his way. I have learned a deep respect for one of Goethe’s couplets:

Whatever you can do, or dream you can, begin it. Boldness has genius, power, and magic in it.

Some of us were brought up with sayings like, “The good Lord helps those who help themselves,” which I took to mean that the universe had already provided resources, means, and opportunities — but it was up to us to use them and be self-sufficient about it. I chose steady employment and savings. He’s chosen a more entrepreneurial and nomadic lifestyle. We’re saying the same thing, but when Rasheed flies without wings, his safety net is more ephemeral than mine.

Back to the question: “If money were no object, what would you do, and why?”

I would travel. Not on foot, like Rasheed, but by air, sea, or land. This is something that my husband and I are doing more of, now, in retirement. Most recently, we visited several national parks in South Dakota and Wyoming, where I fulfilled a childhood dream:

Re-enactment Close Encounters of the Third Kind

Okay, Nature did it better:

Devil’s Tower, Wyoming (Photo by H. Jahangiri)

We also saw Mount Rushmore, Needles Highway, Crazy Horse Memorial, Custer State Park, Wind Cave, and The Badlands. Money may always be a factor for most of us, enabling or limiting what we can do, but you can’t take it with you. Money is a tool — not the object. Use it to enjoy life now because the future isn’t guaranteed, and it’s not much good to you just sitting in the bank.

Holly Jahangiri is the author of Trockle ; A Puppy, Not a Guppy; and A New Leaf for Lyle. She draws inspiration from her family, from her own childhood adventures (some of which only happened in her overactive imagination), and from readers both young and young at heart. Visit her website at jahangiri.us and subscribe to her newsletter at https://hollyjahangiri.substack.com/