There is no wealth but life.

— John Ruskin

REFLECTION

WHAT THIS MEANS

Every other kind of wealth is a claim on something: hours, attention, the ability to enjoy what you bought. Life is what all of it converts back into, and the conversion runs only one way. Money, status and stored up plans are worth the living they buy you and no more. Counting what you have without counting what it costs in days leaves the ledger half done.

Look at one thing you are paying for in time rather than money. Ask what it is buying back. If the honest answer is nothing you care about, that is worth knowing before another year goes through it.

A QUESTION TO SIT WITH

How much of your life is your income actually costing?

MORE IN MEANING & PERSPECTIVE

Free, with nothing to buy inside it.