Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Thinking About Money
I have been reading "Mornings on Horseback" (which I have enjoyed very much for several reasons) and the wealth of the Roosevelts has caused me to reflect on money. The family had so many advantages because of their wealth. I somewhat envied the year that the entire family spent on the Nile. Money was never an issue in their lives. They still had sickness and other disappointments, but never money issues. And I wonder...could Teddy have developed the same abilities and strengths if he had not had all the advantages that money brings? And yet we have that image of a camel and the eye of a needle.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
5 comments:
That book is on my "want to read" list. You know I think there might be more stories of hard times, little opportunities=amazing future, strong character. Abe Lincoln, who else? Help me! . . .Benjamin Franklin, Harry Truman. Hmmm, maybe you're right--maybe it does take money, but I like to think it doesn't.
You have some great insights. I often think about the opportunities financial abundance would bring. It will be interesting to someday see life with it's trials and blessings through more knowing eyes.
I think that you are right, Lani--hardship and sometimes even poverty often forge great character. But wealth provides a different type of opportunity. I guess that it comes down to making the most of your individual circumstances. It was just very interesting to see how T. Roosevelt's life--wealth, illness, death, parents--all contributed to making him into what I consider to be one of our better presidents.
Yes, I think money definitely buys opportunity and advantage. It can wreak havoc on your character and spiritual success if you're not careful, but it sure can get you places like well-educated, well-traveled, and financially or politically successful for instance.
I like your idea of different types of opportunity. Financial struggle brings great opportunity for resourcefulness and hard work and can really strengthen character. I think you're right that it comes down to making the most of your individual circumstances.
Ooooooo....provocative question!
Isn't it true that great artists and writers throughout the ages were sponsored by people with wealth?
Post a Comment