the means to a happy life

"All human beings seek the happy life, but many confuse the means- for example, wealth and status- with that life itself. This misguided focus on the means to a good life makes people get further from the happy life. The really worthwhile things are the virtuous activities that make up the happy life, not the external means that may seem to produce it."

-Epictetus

I've noticed a growing trend in individuals and families understanding what Epictetus wrote many years ago. This doesn't mean that financial wealth is a bad goal to strive for, but that it in itself is not going to lead to a happy life.

Think about some of your favorite memories as a child, or you favorite memories with your own children...I bet very few of them have anything to do with your financial wealth (or lack of).

As you pursue your authentic life and the financial wealth that aligns with it, never lose sight of what really brings the most happiness and joy to your life.

I have a feeling the more you focus on the virtuous events that make up your happy life, the more the financial wealth takes care of itself...no academic research to support this--just a hunch.

See you tomorrow and keep pursuing,

JC