What does it really mean to be wealthy?
Is it all about having loads of cash?
Does that wealth depends on how much stuff and convenience you can enjoy? Or should we lean into Thoreau's perspective, valuing inner richness and a wealth of the soul? He believed that true wealth isn't about accumulating stuff constantly—making money to buy more stuff and repeating the cycle—it's a hollow existence, not happiness or wealth. It's like chaining yourself to materialism. Life isn't just about the physical; it's about nurturing your soul.
I remember back in college when I was engrossed in Henry David Thoreau's "Walden." I couldn't help but envy his ability to seek spiritual satisfaction while the rest of the world was caught up in the hustle for money. He chose to live by the lake, relishing the peace and quiet, closely observing nature—there's something poetic about being the only one awake in a world asleep.
I think I'd start by taking care of my physical needs, making sure I'm not going hungry or freezing. But once that's settled, I'd then embark on a quest for spiritual growth. Necessities are important, but I don't want to be stuck in a never-ending loop of buying and making money. Instead, I'd aim to enrich my soul, give back to the community, and help those around me. That's what I'm striving for.
到底什麼是富有？
有錢，就算富有嗎？
富不富有，是取決於人可以占用多少奢侈品和必需品嗎？
還是相信梭羅的觀點？重視精神、靈魂上的富足。認為富有的人是不需要去購買許多商品的。如果一個人只是不斷重複去購買商品→賺錢→購買商品→賺錢→購買商品→賺錢→購買商品，那不叫幸福，也不叫富有。那只是自己給自己戴上了沉重的鐐銬。輾轉在消費和賺錢、獲得和失去而已。人生不是只有肉體、還有靈魂。
還記得大學上課時，念到梭羅的《湖濱散記》。那時候好羨慕他，可以在美國經濟起飛、大家浮躁去追求金錢時，去追求靈魂上的滿足，自己居住在湖邊，享受寧靜的時光，觀察大自然──頗有一種眾人皆醉我獨醒的浪漫。
我想，我會先照顧好自己的肉體，接著就去追求靈魂上的提升。必需品還是要有的，我不想挨餓受凍。照顧好自己和家人的同時，也去追求精神上的滿足，回饋社會、幫助大眾，我想那就是我想要的。
