Having thought long and hard about the prospect of gaining more wealth, I've come to an interesting realization: While I'm not against having a bigger bank account, it wouldn't fundamentally change my lifestyle or my goals. You might ask, how would life change if I had, let's say, a billion dollars? I've considered it.
Sure, with more financial power, I could invest even more in my health—fine-tuning my diet, exploring advanced treatments, or dabbling in experimental longevity medications. But the truth is, my current approach to health is already quite rigorous. I eat well, sleep enough, maintain good relationships, and engage in meaningful work. And I'm very committed to exercise. Money doesn't buy much more than that, not fundamentally. Any extra I might spend on health would be more of a refinement than a revolution - the proverbial cherry on top.
The second aspect where more money might have a role is psychological safety. Having a sizeable nest egg could buffer the risk inherent in the various projects and experiments I'm involved in. But then again, I have to ask myself if I'd really want to lose the drive that comes from a bit of uncertainty. That hunger pushes me to strive and innovate. Maybe a safety net would dull that edge, and I'm not sure that's a trade I want to make.
Furthermore, an increased fortune doesn't necessarily mean I would delegate more tasks to others. The work I'm currently doing is highly creative and on the bleeding edge. It requires my direct involvement, my vision. And training the right people to delegate to isn't just a matter of money, it's a matter of time, and that's something money can't buy.
So, in sum, if an extra million dollars landed in my lap, it wouldn't radically alter my life. I'm already doing what I believe to be important and rewarding. My focus remains on work that I can't and wouldn't want to delegate, and maintaining a lifestyle that prioritizes health and relationships. Money is just a tool, and like any tool, its value depends on how you use it.
Addendum:
In reflecting further on this, I wouldn't reject the opportunity to have more money. I'd definitely welcome it, but I am acutely aware that there are trade-offs and challenges that come with sudden wealth. We've seen the stories about lottery winners, haven't we? It's often a tragic narrative - they end up losing their money quickly because they're not equipped to manage it. But perhaps even more profound are the changes that take place in their personal relationships.
The dynamics in existing relationships can become complicated, with people suddenly expecting a share of your newfound wealth. And when it comes to forging new relationships, you can't help but question the motives behind people's actions. Are they genuine, or are they motivated by your financial status? You find yourself in this uncomfortable position where you're unsure if someone's being nice to you just because of your money.
Would this be a significant problem for me if I suddenly found myself with more money? I can't say for certain, but I can imagine how difficult it would be to navigate. Having the burden of other people's expectations - the unspoken demand that you should give them money simply because you have it - can be psychologically taxing.
In contrast, I'm currently in a place where I'm valued more for my ideas and creative abilities than for my wealth. I'm recognized as a thinker, an artist, a philosopher. People don't come to me for money; they come for the things that my mind produces. I feel grateful for this. It's a unique position that allows me to focus on the work and ideas I'm passionate about, free from the pressures and expectations that often accompany significant wealth.