Finding purpose in a capitalist world

We live in a world where money matters. Even the spiritualists cannot survive without donations. But then, not everybody can grow a long beard, wear a headcap and spout wisdom that is acceptable to millions.

If one were to take a close look at the world; most people chase money. Period.

After all it defines the quality of work you have done and how you have impacted people. For many, money is a safe barometer of success.

But then, there are other factors at play too: health, social impact, art, consciousness as well as ethics.

Many capitalists fair poorly on these parameters. Why just capitalists, even artists do. Failed marriages, hush money affairs, non payment of salaries for months on end and substance abuse.

Where then does purpose lie in this murky world?

It starts with defining what purpose is. Why do we exist? If it was just to make money then life would be simple.

But, the law of diminishing marginal utility applies to money too. After a certain point, you begin to crave for joy, bonding, camaraderie, fellowship and most importantly true love.

This love may not be romantic in nature. You could love a craft, art form or an idea. The problem begins when you wish to make a profession out of it.

You see, we are all sellers in the marketplace of the world. Everybody is out for a quick fix, a bargain or a discounted product.

What then for the folks who spend years perfecting a craft and then wish to share it with the world? They often die penniless especially when it comes to artists who gain fame after their death. This list is replete with writers, playwrights and painters who never saw money in their lives but their works are now sold for millions.

Lets talk about sports people now. This is a billion dollar industry across the world and most accomplished sports people get paid well and also earn a significant sum from endorsements. No problem, right?

World over, certain countries are associated with particular sports. USA with basketball and baseball, Brazil with football and South East Asia with Badminton, Jamaica with sprinting and East Africa with distance running and India with cricket.

However, events in the recent years and even in 2024 have shown that this kind of domination is not undisputed. A Botswanan runner won the gold in the 200m at the Paris Olympics and upset the much heralded Jamaican Noah Lyles. A Dane won the Badminton gold in Paris for the third consecutive time. European countries are dominating world football and India recently got whitewashed in a three test series at home for the first time in history by unheralded New Zealand.

Given these events, anything is possible. The only thing which matters is belief, hard work and training.

Simply training for hours on end is not good enough. You have to be mindful of every movement and thought. Whether it be sport, art, a PPT or an excel sheet, you have to become one with it. It is only then that you make progress.

Capitalism might be a flawed model because of the extreme inequalities present in every country that has adopted it. However, it still rewards hard work, dedication and a purposeful approach to life.

The only caveat is the investment in time needed in order to be rich, healthy, spiritually balanced and famous. This recipe is not for everyone and you have to have a very thick skin and a rich inner life to make it big.

You cannot simply turn up one day and say you want to be a world famous musician. Studies have shown that it takes about ten years of practice to transform ability and natural talent into world class level skill.

The problem is not with the system. It is with the individual. With the right belief, strategy, motivation and training; anything is possible.

If more and more people were to introspect from an early age and read books of writers like George Orwell and Charles Handy at an impressionable age then they would view the world the differently from a young age.

The earlier you start to hone your skills, the better it is. Also, it is never too late to start. Ten years give or take a few years is where you hit the sweet spot. After that you can choose to lead your life king size but do realize that ethics, giving back to the community and sharing your knowledge with the world are important responsibilities that you have.

So, embrace the flawed system of capitalism, work on your talents and emerge as a well fashioned clay pot which inspires generations.