The Creative Pursuit Of Laziness

“I want to be rich but I don’t want to work.”

Every ten years, this adage seems to gain in popularity. It resembles the phrase "famous for being famous," which refers to those who become famous for obscure reasons (as opposed to fame based on skill, or talent).

Many today believe that it is possible to become wealthy without working. They tend to be lazy because they are confident about their ability to do something with mimimum effort. They are obsessed with speed. They will be happy if a chicken can lay 2 eggs a day. Do they deserve blame?

Numerous people who posted videos or photos of themselves online went on to become millionaires.

Then there are those who made money by creating or pumping virtual currencies onto the internet and we've seen other folks achieve financial success by practicing such things over the years.

Who gives a hoot if you have to get up early and work all day?

Let's go places, eat great food, and have fun! Providing you manifest it, the money will arrive anyway. No one is sure what that implies, but hey, if nobody is sure, we cannot all act that way.

The reality is that this ominous vision is poisonous, damaging, and bad for society overall.

Regardless of how we feel about it, as King Marcus Aurelius famously put it, "You participate in a society by your existence. So, by your deeds—all your deeds—participate in its life.

Any behavior that isn't (directly or indirectly) working toward a social goal will disrupt your life, prevent you from being whole, and cause conflict.

Real principles do not align with a strong desire to become wealthy without working. Since what exactly is work? It is your contribution to society.

Everyone has a vital function to play in the world—nurses, doctors, cooks, waiters, instructors, and so forth.

When we go about our regular lives, few give this enough thought.

Do we pause to consider the possibility that the grocery stores we frequent might be deserted if it weren't for that truck driver?

However, here's where things start to get complicated. The role you play doesn't always translate to equal financial outcomes in a capitalist society.

For instance, everyone requires a dentist. The majority of people probably visit their dentist more frequently than their dermatologist in a given year. But, according to recent data, dermatologists make almost twice as much money as dentists.

And this is where having a basic understanding of finances is important. Every member of society, in my opinion, must gain from overall wealth (investment would be the means of profiting).

This is the notion:

1) Participate in society;

2) Make a worthwhile contribution;

3) Make money;

4) Spend that money on assets

5) Similar actions are taken by others

6) The assets' value increases

7) Everyone wins.

But, for this system to function, people must make a positive contribution to society, and the things they purchase must be worthwhile.

It's critical to promote principles that will help society advance.

We should label and reinforce expression of values & be aware of what we model. Remember: A society only functions well when people work. We can't all be slackers.