Some Perspective From a Dark Place - Solzhenitsyn

[CoolRich59]

Quote:

Originally Posted by HawkOwl Accumulating wealth is a major theme of this site.

With respect, I disagree. I walked away from a nice salary and other compensation when I FIRE'd. If I was focused on accumulating wealth, I'd still be w*rking.

[travelover]

Quote:

Originally Posted by CoolRich59 With respect, I disagree. I walked away from a nice salary and other compensation when I FIRE'd. If I was focused on accumulating wealth, I'd still be w*rking.

As have many of us. I'd say the theme of this site is living well. Having "enough" is part of that goal, but I don't see any obsession with making money for the purpose of just having more.

[audreyh1]

Quote:

Originally Posted by CoolRich59 I’ve read other Russian authors, but not Solzhenitsyn. I’m going to have to rectify that. However, reading the quote, I’m reminded of Man’s Search for Meaning, by Viktor Frankl: “Everything can be taken from a man but one thing: the last of the human freedoms—to choose one’s attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one’s own way.”

I also read book that as a young person. I remember that book being very revealing and significant to me.

[scottpush]

Quote:

Originally Posted by travelover As have many of us. I'd say the theme of this site is living well. Having "enough" is part of that goal, but I don't see any obsession with making money for the purpose of just having more.

+1

[deserat]

Quote:

Originally Posted by CoolRich59 ... However, reading the quote, I’m reminded of Man’s Search for Meaning, by Viktor Frankl: “Everything can be taken from a man but one thing: the last of the human freedoms—to choose one’s attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one’s own way.”

Yes, there are similar themes throughout a lot of what I would call 'wisdom' writings. Marcus Aurelius, Buddha, Christ.... Ecclesiastes in the Old Testament also has a similar admonition. I consider 'Man's Search for Meaning' one of the best books I've read and the message resonates-excellent wisdom.

I have kept a picture on my computer that illustrated the same message; two people are riding the same bus looking out their respective windows. One sees a beautiful paradise and is smiling and happy. The other sees hades and is frowning and miserable. We make our lives.

I would say that certain cultures have common mindsets and that those mindsets have ranges along the attitude and happiness spectrum. It may be easier for some people to be happy/maintain a positive attitude regardless of their circumstances, whereas others have to work harder at that. Nevertheless, I believe that working on having that positive attitude over time strengthens one's resilience for one's life circumstances.

[Markola]

Quote:

Originally Posted by CoolRich59 With respect, I disagree. I walked away from a nice salary and other compensation when I FIRE'd. If I was focused on accumulating wealth, I'd still be w*rking.

+1. The whole FIRE movement is about accumulating wealth as a specific tool and only up to the point that it frees you from many of modern life’s shackles. There is some wisdom in that.