Saved by Ajinkya Wadhwa and
The Nothingness of Money - More to That
While this sounds bleak, the reality is that this is the nature of the human condition. We are aware of our mortality, but are unaware of where the finish line will be. We make assumptions using average lifespans and worldwide life expectancies, but this is primarily an exercise in quelling our uncertainties.
Lawrence Yeo • The Nothingness of Money - More to That
So herein lies the Great Tension:
Lawrence Yeo • The Nothingness of Money - More to That
Money is a required pursuit for life, but a pointless pursuit upon death.
Lawrence Yeo • The Nothingness of Money - More to That
Traditionally, the age at which the Nothingness of Money would begin its descent is around 65. That leaves most retired people with about 2-3 decades to live a life where money doesn’t dictate how they spend their time.
Lawrence Yeo • The Nothingness of Money - More to That
Ultimately, we can live our lives according to what will be written on our tombstones. And given that a dollar sign won’t be on it, it’s time we stop inscribing one onto our minds as well.
Lawrence Yeo • The Nothingness of Money - More to That
For these individuals, there was no time to reflect on what matters in a way they’d never done before. And in that case, the Nothingness of Money was never truly revealed to them.
Lawrence Yeo • The Nothingness of Money - More to That
But of course, what ’s great in theory breaks down in practice.
Lawrence Yeo • The Nothingness of Money - More to That
Others aren’t as fortunate.
Lawrence Yeo • The Nothingness of Money - More to That
Retirement is our clever way of extending the Nothingness of Money out while we are healthy enough to appreciate it. We work hard in our youth so that we don’t have to when we’re older. We no longer have to be on a deathbed to fade money out of our thoughts, as we can do that with decades left to spare.
Lawrence Yeo • The Nothingness of Money - More to That
For people that depart due to fatal accidents, it’s entirely possible that they lived their lives without ever internalizing the pointlessness of money. That it was always an omnipresent force in their lives, dictating their behaviors and guiding their motives every step of the way.