I recently met a friend who has done very well professionally. And during our meeting, he happened to take out his wallet.
The wallet was so frayed at the edges that it seemed like it would disintegrate any time. But he was not self-conscious about it at all. Despite his incredible talent and intellect, he has no pretense — no sense of ‘What will people think.’
When he visits me, he usually borrows a car from some family member — sometimes a small car, sometimes a big one, but neither he cares, nor do I.
But just imagine what freedom this carefree attitude gives him!
When you don’t have to worry about appearances, everything becomes so simple, and you can focus on the things that really matter.
Just imagine if he worried about fancy cars, wearing only certain brands, or traveling a certain way — it would take away so much peace of mind.
Even though I am aware of it, over the years, I have also ‘upgraded’ in many ways. Still, it is very useful to maintain some restraint, and more importantly, not get too attached to things.
We are all susceptible to external opinions, and it is not possible to totally eliminate them. But remember that every attachment you add, takes away a freedom you had.
Money may come and go. But that freedom we lose is priceless.
– Rajan