Want Nothing = Have Everything
Focusing on the Daily Stoic Meditation for August 29 — Want Nothing = Have Everything, as outlined by Ryan Holiday in the bestseller 366 Meditations on Wisdom, Perseverance and the Art Of Living.
“No person has the power to have everything they want, but it is in their power not to want what they don’t have, and to cheerfully put to good use what they do have.”
— SENECA, MORAL LETTERS, 123.3
Think of the richest people on Earth — the CEOs, the royals and the celebrities.
They all have wealth — material luxuries and direct cash. You’d think that they’d be some of the happiest people on Earth too, right? With their wealth, you imagine that they could buy absolutely anything they desire, and this would grant them eternal happiness.
Paradoxically, the richest people are often the unhappiest, too.
Money doesn’t immediately grant happiness; it makes life easier, yes, but it doesn’t translate to contentment.
Material luxuries isn’t what makes life worth living — the newest iPhone or fanciest car isn’t the thing that’s going to bring you long lasting, sustainable happiness.
