Estimated reading time: 8 min.

Dear reader,

Welcome back to Guiding Words.

In the previous lesson, we reminded ourselves that beneath its familiar surface, life is inherently unpredictable, and entropy is pervasive. That’s why, not delaying the creation of a Plan B should be our top priority. 

Reflecting on priorities, Francis Bacon, the influential 17th-century English statesman, wisely observed: "Money is a great servant but a bad master." Yet many of us remain ruled by it—enticed by a culture of consumerism and comparison on one hand and haunted by fears of social ridicule and financial collapse on the other. In an effort to break free from that conundrum, we will reflect in this lesson on the purpose of money and the path to fulfillment.  

What is the purpose of money?

For those on the path to Serenity, it is commonly understood that money is merely a means to satisfy basic physiological needs and enable the mind to explore various facets of the material and sensory world. However, it is recognized that, per se, no amount of money can purchase enlightenment or secure a place in heaven.

However, our fixation on money is an extension of the mind's first and fundamental mistake: the belief that the ability to purchase physical pleasures equates to happiness, leading to the conclusion that more money will naturally bring more happiness. Yet, we’ve previously learned that happiness, if defined as a feeling, cannot be sustained because feelings, by nature, are transient. Nevertheless, most people remain trapped in this belief—caught on one side by the instant gratification found in satisfying the needs of the body, and on the other by the fear of suffering that might arise from the lack of financial means to satisfy them. Only by overcoming underlying feelings of financial anxiety through financial education and shifting focus from the pursuit of happiness to the pursuit of fulfillment can one hope to break free from the hold of money.

On financial education:

The essence of what it takes to become rich can be understood from this quote by Jim Rohn: "You don’t get paid by the hour. You get paid for the value you bring to the hour." Similarly, the essence of what it takes to become wealthy can be understood from this quote by Morgan Housel: "Rich is flashy. Wealth is hidden. Wealth is income not spent." By seeking to master the knowledge conveyed by these two quotes and focusing on answering these two questions—what level of value do you provide, and how do you invest the value you’re able to capture from selling your product or service—one best positions oneself to achieve, with time, financial independence. 

When it comes to money, there are many great books that most people have never read. Don’t be one of those people! Acquiring a strong financial education and understanding how money works from an early age can be liberating, as it empowers one to plan ahead and make informed decisions. When acted upon, this knowledge can also alter the meaning of work in a person’s life, allowing work to shift from merely a means to earn income to a potential path toward fulfillment.

On fulfilment:

In lesson 7: On happiness, we talked about the limits of the pursuit of happiness and the value of striving for Serenity. However, the path to fulfillment is an integral part of the greater path that is Serenity. In the following paragraphs, we will outline the four distinct yet interconnected paths that can lead to fulfillment. 

The American Psychological Association (APA) dictionary defines fulfillment as:

n. the actual or felt satisfaction of needs and desires, or the attainment of aspirations.

This definition is both complete and profound and is worth reflecting on, however, such endeavour falls outside the scope of this lesson. That being said, the pursuit of fulfilment, considered through the lenses of Words of Art, can be achieved through four distinct, equally fulfilling and interconnected paths:

The path to enjoyment:

The APA defines enjoyment as: n. a perception of great pleasure and happiness brought on by success in or simple satisfaction with an activity.

Fulfillment through the path to enjoyment lies in the immediate joy certain activities evoke. These activities, which can be unexpected and unique or predictable and recurrent, have a clear beginning and end. For some, it might be the exhilaration of a runner’s high, the calm of a quiet afterglow, or the intellectual pleasure of engaging with or exploring stimulating content. On this path, fulfillment is rooted not in the result or the outcome of the activity but in the transient yet profound feeling of joy it provides in the moment.

The path to experience:

The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines experience as:

1a: direct observation of or participation in events as a basis of knowledge

2a: practical knowledge, skill, or practice derived from direct observation of or participation in events or in a particular activity

Fulfillment through the path to experience is rooted in the pursuit of experiential knowledge—that is, the seeking of first-hand, personal involvement in events or activities as a foundation for understanding. Depending on the individual and their stage on the journey, this path may take one of two approaches: a broad sampling of diverse experiences, where fulfillment arises from the cumulative richness of varied engagements, or a deep, focused exploration of a specific field, activity, or belief system. In either case, whether the outcome of these explorations is tangible or intangible, material or emotional, expected or surprising, pleasant or challenging, it is the act of experiencing itself—living it, doing it, or having done it—that serves both as the ultimate goal and the means through which fulfillment is realized.

The path to aspiration:

The APA defines aspiration as: n. an ambition, goal, or any kind of desired end that might be achieved through personal effort.

Fulfillment through the path to aspiration is found in sustained and focused effort toward a specific goal or ideal. This path is best exemplified by entrepreneurs, visionaries, and individuals striving to achieve a particular outcome, whether tangible or intangible. The paradox is that, although reaching the goal may seem like the ultimate aim, we seldom emerge from the journey as the same person who started it. Thus, the journey—not the outcome—becomes the true reward.

The path to creation:

Creation, in this context, refers to individuals from a wide range of professions united by a common denominator: they find fulfillment in the act of creating (and building).

The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines creating as:

1a: to bring into existence

4a: to produce through imaginative skill

The path to creation encompasses more than just imagination. It includes those who create intellectual and intangible assets purely through their mind, as well as those who build tangible, physical objects with their hands—and those who do both. For example, a theoretical mathematician is just as much part of the path to creation as a composer, engineer, or construction worker. Each of these individuals derives fulfillment not only from the finished product—whether it’s a portrait, a building, or a mathematical equation—but also from the entire journey of creation: from the initial spark of inspiration, through the process of bringing it to life, and finally in the satisfaction of the completed work.

As mentioned at the beginning of this section, each path is distinct, yet they are all interconnected and feeding into one another. While happiness is often defined in terms of positive feelings, fulfillment, on the other hand, extends beyond that, making it a more holistic and desirable path. It encompasses, among other things, action, effort, and growth, which makes it not only more sustainable over time but also a deeper pursuit than happiness.

This concludes our lesson on the purpose of money and the path to fulfillment. Since disorder and decay are natural tendencies of life, in the next lesson, we will reflect on the nature of death.

See you in three days and until then, may Serenity be upon you.

Didi

After reading this lesson, do you identify with one of the paths to fulfillment? If yes, which one do you relate to the most?

Reply with a yes or no, and if you feel comfortable, feel free to share your thoughts on the role money plays in your life.

P.S.: I am trying to find the right words to convey my thoughts in a language that is not mine, so please pardon my mistakes and feel free to reply with any suggestions and/or corrections that can make this reading experience more enjoyable. 

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