I am pleased to share with you the first of many Quotes of the Day. This is just one of several new features I will be integrating into the blog in the new year.
Without further ado, the first Quote of the Day comes from Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790), who, aside from being one of the Founding Fathers of the United States, was a respected writer, printer, inventor, scientist, statesman, and diplomat.
"If you desire many things, many things will seem few." - Benjamin Franklin
I love the meaning behind this well-known quote by the revered Franklin. I take it to mean that the more you yearn for material things, the less you'll be satisfied by them. You'll want something, grow bored of it, and angle for the next thing that grabs your interest. Rinse and repeat -- it's a vicious cycle that never ends.
Unfortunately, we know far too many people that become locked in the tight grip of consumerism. Many factors are to blame, including advertisements and promotions that many consumers have a tough time resisting.
We've become a society obsessed with acquiring as many goods, gadgets, and gizmos as we can possibly shoehorn into our homes.
If Benjamin Franklin were alive today, I believe he would marvel at how far we've come technologically -- he was, after all, a scientist and inventor -- but would scoff at the greed showed by companies and people alike.
Although it may not be easy to do in this fast-paced, money-driven world, we should strive for simplicity. Studies have shown that it's our experiences in life -- not the goods we amass -- that ultimately make us happy. Also, studies have shown that once we hit an annual salary of $75,000, the happiness we derive from money begins to diminish.
So, if it's experiences that truly make us happy, then maybe far too many of us don't have our priorities straight.
Whether a memorable experience to you means spending a weekend at Walt Disney World, taking a leisurely stroll around the park and communing with nature, or spending an afternoon at the museum indulging your inner history nerd, there are moments in life that even money can't buy.
What do you feel Franklin was trying to say in the above quote? Do you think experiences bring more value than material possessions?
Without further ado, the first Quote of the Day comes from Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790), who, aside from being one of the Founding Fathers of the United States, was a respected writer, printer, inventor, scientist, statesman, and diplomat.
"If you desire many things, many things will seem few." - Benjamin Franklin
I love the meaning behind this well-known quote by the revered Franklin. I take it to mean that the more you yearn for material things, the less you'll be satisfied by them. You'll want something, grow bored of it, and angle for the next thing that grabs your interest. Rinse and repeat -- it's a vicious cycle that never ends.
Unfortunately, we know far too many people that become locked in the tight grip of consumerism. Many factors are to blame, including advertisements and promotions that many consumers have a tough time resisting.
We've become a society obsessed with acquiring as many goods, gadgets, and gizmos as we can possibly shoehorn into our homes.
If Benjamin Franklin were alive today, I believe he would marvel at how far we've come technologically -- he was, after all, a scientist and inventor -- but would scoff at the greed showed by companies and people alike.
Although it may not be easy to do in this fast-paced, money-driven world, we should strive for simplicity. Studies have shown that it's our experiences in life -- not the goods we amass -- that ultimately make us happy. Also, studies have shown that once we hit an annual salary of $75,000, the happiness we derive from money begins to diminish.
So, if it's experiences that truly make us happy, then maybe far too many of us don't have our priorities straight.
Whether a memorable experience to you means spending a weekend at Walt Disney World, taking a leisurely stroll around the park and communing with nature, or spending an afternoon at the museum indulging your inner history nerd, there are moments in life that even money can't buy.
What do you feel Franklin was trying to say in the above quote? Do you think experiences bring more value than material possessions?
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