THE TRUTH ABOUT MONEY

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“Let’s pass over to the really rich—how often the occasions they look just like the poor! When they travel abroad they must restrict their baggage, and when haste is necessary, they dismiss their entourage. And those who are in the army, how few of their possessions they get to keep . . .”
—SENECA, ON CONSOLATION TO HELVIA, 12. 1.b–2 

As I sat contemplating today's Stoic lesson, a profound question arose: What wouldn't I trade for more time with my loved ones? Money? Material possessions? The answer was clear: nothing. More time translates to more memories, and those are infinitely more valuable than any material object.

My home, unfortunately, tells a different story. It's filled with 'knickknacks' – a collection of odds and ends that accumulate over time. My wife gently reminds me of the need to declutter, but I often find myself clinging to these items. 'What's the point of losing this?' I ask myself. 'Does it truly bring me happiness, or just a fleeting smile?'

The truth is, many of these items hold little to no real value. I've spent a lifetime acquiring them, often driven by a fear of scarcity. I've amassed a collection of gaming devices – a desktop, a laptop, consoles – all in the pursuit of entertainment. Then there are the 'collectibles' – statues, figurines, and backups of things that inevitably break or wear out. I hoard, believing that having more equals security.

But this belief is a fallacy. True security doesn't come from accumulating possessions. It comes from within. It comes from meaningful relationships, inner peace, and the ability to adapt to life's inevitable changes.

This Stoic lesson has challenged me to re-evaluate my relationship with possessions. I'm starting to see that true wealth lies not in the accumulation of things, but in the experiences we create. Spending time with loved ones, pursuing meaningful hobbies, and contributing to the world – these are the true riches in life.

Decluttering is not about losing things; it's about creating space – space in our homes, our minds, and our lives. It's about freeing ourselves from the burden of material possessions so we can focus on what truly matters.

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