By Ben Stein on 3.13.07 @ 12:09AM
Reflections from the driving range.
Because I have a tiny bit of knowledge about investing, people
are always asking me what the secret is to becoming rich quickly.
Where money is concerned, I assure you I have no idea of how to get
rich quick (although I know exactly how to get rich slowly).
But I do know how to get rich quick in the most meaningful way:
feeling rich. A few days ago, I was driving golf balls in my usual
pitiful way, all by myself on the driving range, when suddenly a
warm breeze came out of nowhere and washed me in common sense. I am
here on this beautiful grass, I suddenly thought. The sky is azure
blue. The palm fronds are rustling nearby. No one is trying to kill
me. I've just had a great lunch. My health is decent.
I am a happy, happy guy. I am grateful, and that is riches.
Gratitude is wealth.
I finished with some pitiful iron shots and went into the
clubhouse. The halls were empty. The average age of the members at
this club is 72 and many are older. How many men and women walk
along these halls every day, I thought, with memories of long-time
wives or husbands who are now on the other side? How many of them
walk down this hall and then go home alone to a solitary meal and
an afternoon and night of watching TV alone, with only memories of
when they had a wife or husband or kids that watched TV with
them?
But I had my wife waiting for me at home, and our dogs, and I
knew I would not be alone that night. I was grateful. At that
moment, realizing I had my wifey lying on her couch reading her
mystery, waiting for me, I was as rich as Bill Gates and far richer
than any Hollywood playboy.
Gratitude for what you have right now. Gratitude especially for
what you have now that so many people would die for, gratitude for
what you have now that won't last. That's what makes you rich
quick. And no tax at all. That's the secret. As to the money...
Stop thinking about it for this morning and just tell your wife you
love her.
topics:
Hollywood
