I’ve been reading a book called “Death by Suburbs” – and basically it lays out all the spiritual sucker punches that suburban culture will throw at you. The most prevailing theme throughout the book is that of “Immortality Symbols” – those things through which we feel we can gain enlightenment/contentment, but never truly can. These things include the cars, houses, portfolios, achievements, job titles, and, surprisingly, the scholastic and athletic achievements of our children.
We spend too much time in our lives rushing towards and stressing over these things – which in our minds leave some sort of legacy, but in truth are mostly empty gestures and plastic trophies on a basement shelf. Being a Type A-ish personality, and entrepreneur, and having a self-proclaimed desire to earn money and be successful, I found these revelations both obvious and a little painful to apply to my own life. All that, and I’m one of the lucky ones – I don’t pull 60 hour weeks or travel constantly. I have a pretty standard schedule and a surprisingly laid-back work environment for someone who is, in my opinion anyway, reasonably successful.
So, why was the philosophy of Immortality Symbols somewhat difficult for me to accept? Honestly, I’m not sure. I think more than anything, that it instilled in me a fear of wasted time – both in business and in life. I’m fine with the “things” portion – I want to build wealth so my family can be comfortable and safe. I want a new(er) car so if it snows, I can put my wife in a safe 4-wheel-drive vehicle on the way to work. I want things paid off so my family doesn’t ever have to worry about if the bank is coming to take the house – all of this allows us to experience life without it being filtered through a haze of fear or doubt. There’s enough to worry about in the world without having to worry about money – and I can handle that as a reason for a drive to be successful.
It’s that time thing I keep coming back to though – is what I’m doing challenging enough for me professionally? Am I spending enough time with my wife, and are we doing things that challenge us to grow as a couple? Are there things we should be doing to help others who don’t have the good fortune that we do? It’s all these things that lead to what the author calls the “thicker” life. Releasing the desire for things and recognition (while still maintaining the security of your family) and experiencing all life has to offer..both good and bad. Time is the only thing that this universe can’t offer a single sentient being more of than it can use – it’s the most scarce and valuable resource we have.
Heh – well, I don’t suppose I offered any answers did I? In fact, I’m not even positive I posed a question. Maybe this was just a little reflection that I needed help me along my path to some sort of personal enrichment. Thanks for letting me share.