There are four types of greed/jealousy:
- I want what I’m missing
- I want what I had
- I want what you have
- I want you to not have what you have
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
Showing posts with label Greed. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Greed. Show all posts
June 22, 2019
Four Types of Desire
There are four types of greed/jealousy:
April 22, 2019
You Ended Up In Hell City
It was about being given what appears to be a wonderful opportunity, but in reality it's not all roses.
In short, it went something like this:
There was an exciting competition and a prize at the end.
Everyone prepared and worked hard to win it.
But when the competition was over, what was the prize?
The 2nd place was two weeks in Philadelphia.
The 1st place was one week in Philadelphia.
I had to think about that for a second, but that is really pretty funny and true.
No not about Philadelphia, but about life--that what we often mistakenly want so badly and strive for with all our energies, and then only to find out that it really wasn't as good or amazing for us and our families as we imagined.
Yes, very often you set your sights on certain goals to win the competition, but then you find out that the BIG prize ("first place") is really not something to get excited about, because it's in Philadelphia! ;-)
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
January 20, 2019
Compromise = Winning
But when President Trump yesterday went on the air and provided a compromise solution whereby he gets funding for a 200 mile border wall/barrier and the Democrats get money for humanitarian relief at the border, high-tech sensors, and years of protection for 700,000 children that came to this country illegally (DACA) and another 300,000 for immigrants from designated countries that prevent their sage return (TPS)--it seems like everybody would come out a winner!
That's negotiation. That's compromise. That's diplomacy.
When President Trump did this, I thought he really won the day, especially when the Democrats rejected his proposals and offered nothing in return or as an alternative.
Even if the other side disagrees with the solution, they can and should offer what their version of a compromise/agreement would be and so on between the parties--this way, they can negotiate until both sides get to the magical compromise that everyone can agree to and live with.
What I learned from this is that regardless of your political leanings, the side that shows flexibility and compromise and the desire to get something done, is the side that wins the argument, period.
Those that want it all or are simply obstructionist and haters are the big losers in the debate.
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
January 14, 2019
Unbridled Government Spending
The problem with socialism is that eventually you run out of other people's money.
And from the Wall Street Journal:
The problem with resisting socialism is that until the money runs out free-spending progressive politics are remarkably seductive.
In other words, we love to spend what appears as "free" government money--more and more entitlements, bigger and bigger government...basically, we can't resist the candy in the candy store.
But the problem is that the money eventually runs out and by then we have gone too far and are left eating our own flesh.
Why can't we spend our precious money and scarce resources prudently and also save wisely for a rainy day--why do we have to act like pigs in the poke?
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
January 8, 2019
What Does A Government Shutdown Feel Like
The first couple of weeks wasn't so bad, because it was the holidays and vacation time ("use or lose"), so I think most people didn't miss work that much.
Also, people got paid at the end of December, since the pay cycle is on a two week lag.
For the first part of the shutdown, there is errands to run and things to catch up on--those things that you always wish you had the time for and well now you do.
But by now, you've already done those errands and cleaned your house and car, shinned up your shoes, and even caught up on some reading.
Then we also have the missed payroll coming at the end of the week. For those families that are on a single income, this is particularly hard, and even where one partner is working, still your income in cut in half.
You can't go out shopping like this!
You also can't go anywhere--like away--because you need to be available to be back at work on a day's notice--whether or not it looks like that day is ever coming or not!
Another concern for those that care about their work and getting things accomplished, is that work is like a moving train, and when there is momentum, things can get done--even at the "pace of government." But when you come to a full stop like this for an extended period of time, then it will definitely take some time to get everyone back on board the train and for it to get moving at a decent clip again. Let's face it, you can't just turn people on and off like a light switch--you're dealing with human beings with feelings, plans, and bills.
Why Congress and the President can't compromise and give the $5 billion for the wall for something in return like immigration reform or even just give half and call it a day is really beyond my comprehension.
Out of our $4.4 trillion a year federal budget, how does it make any sense to begrudge a couple of billion for a wall to bring order to the chaos at our southern border--can anyway say "caravan?"
Let's face it, drug smuggling, human trafficking, dangerous gangs and terrorists, and illegal crossings have no place in a civilized country, especially the United States of America.
At some point, our politicians seem to have lost their passion for and dedication to what's actually good for America and instead replaced it with identity politics and a sick insatiable greed for power, plain and simple.
All sides need to be patriots and not political kingpins, and they need to give a little to get a little for the betterment of our country overall--maybe then we can move forward.
And by the way, it would be great at some point to let us go back to work and do our jobs. ;-)
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
January 6, 2019
From Tulips to Cryptocurrency
From the Tulips Mania in 1637, when a tulip went for more than 10x what a skilled workman earned in an entire year!
To Cryptocurrency in 2018, which is down about 80% from its $20,000 peak losing $700,000,000,000.
In between, we had the gold rush, the great depression, the tech/dot-com bubble, and the housing/mortgage crisis, and many more I am sure.
There seems to always be something for people to get excited about in an "irrational exuberance" type of way, as former Federal Reserve Chair, Alan Greenspan put it.
Is it boredom, big dreams, unadulterated greed, the desire to "get rich quick" and easy, the belief that you've discovered the Holy Grail or is it just people being stupid.
Either way, we have a way of getting ourselves in trouble, some "losing their shirts."
Not sure who said it, but there isn't an easy fix to your life.
There are small and big problems, and then there is you trying to fix them (with G-d's help).
As to bitcoins and tulips, they ain't worth what you think they are. ;-)
(Source Graphic: Andy Blumenthal with photos from Pixabay).
November 25, 2018
Who Is More Religious?
Of course, I am sure many good people are trying to do the right thing and genuinely practice to be better servants of Hashem. However, this should never become an excuse to use religious practices to misguidedly “compete”–hurt or shame–and somehow “one up” their neighbor’s religiosity or status as fellow Jews. That would be to erroneously think that G-d can’t see all His children as good and deserving in their own ways, even though the creator can certainly see what is in the heart and in the doings of all of us.
Hope this resonates with many of you who are kosher but feel unfairly (mis)judged by all the latest variations these days. ;-)
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
November 23, 2018
Carlos Ghosn - Success and Failure
October 26, 2018
A Window and A Mirror
And how money can corrupt our vision of what is truly important.
This is the story:
A rich man became ill.
He looked out the window and saw his old friend who was a poor man.
The rich, sick man invited the poor man, his friend into his house.
After talking awhile, the rich man asked the poor man to tell him what he sees.
The poor man told the rich man to go over to the window and asked:
What do you see?
The rich man said:
I see men, women and children in the street.
Then the poor man took the rich man over the mirror and asked him:
Now what do you see?
The rich man taken aback for a moment, said:
I see myself.
The poor man says:
Ah, that is the difference. Both the window and the mirror are both made out of glass. But when you look into them, you see different things. The window is just plain glass. But the mirror is glass covered in silver. When we look through just the glass, we see others! But when we look through the glass tainted with a coating of silver (i.e. money), we only see ourselves.
Wow! Think about it a moment. Shabbat Shalom! ;-)
(Story adapted from Bishvil Ha-Ivrit)
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
October 25, 2018
It's Not Really Yours
Didn't someone say, "Money is the root of all evil."
Of course, it's not money itself that is bad, but the greed for it, and the use and hoarding of it for selfish purposes.
On this topic, my daughter sent me this interesting story:
One business tycoon in China passed away.We can have all the money in the world, but it's never really ours.
His widow, was left with $1.9 billion in the bank, and married his chauffeur.
His chauffeur said: "All the while, I thought I was working for my boss... it is only now, that I realize that my boss was all the time, working for me!"
It all belongs to G-d, as does our entire life.
He decides what we have or don't have (any longer).
We need to realize that life is ephemeral and all material things are given to us just for the time being.
We should be generous with whatever bounty that G-d has given to us, because in the end that is all that is truly lasting.
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
August 9, 2018
Why Can't People Be Genuine
It starts perhaps with that big, warm smile.
Maybe a handshake and hug.
Perhaps, you even get a kiss or two (it's cultural, I think, LOL).
Colleagues, friends, you're just like family.
Sometimes it's real and you truly found something valuable in your life.
There are good people of soul and conscience out there.
But other times it's an act, a sham, deception, you're the fool.
The other person wants something--cash, control, connections.
Oh by the way, can I ask you for just a "little" favor?
You wouldn't mind if...?
Just do XYZ for me, I got your back.
I see you know so and so, would you introduce me?
I have a great investment opportunity for you, let me tell you all about it.Sure it's okay and actually wonderful in a real relationship for people to be there for each other and help each others..."that's what [real] friends are for!"
The problem is where the friendship is only about the ask for the benefit of the other and no care for you as a person.
Then the smile isn't a genuine collegial or friendship one of happiness and outreach. but rather it's upside down to get you to do something legit or illegit for the person pressing their lips up and out into that smile you already know is all about the ask. ;-)
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
June 22, 2018
Everyone Deserves A Day of Rest and Happiness
They don't want or need to work that much, but their employer insists that's the way it is.
On top of it, they don't even get overtime for all the unbelievable hours they have to put in.
One day, this person actually just broke down in incredible tears, just asking to get a single day off.
Finally, finally, finally--the employer gave in--for just a single day!
The person was so happy--one day of freedom; one day to enjoy; one day to regain their inner beauty and humanity.
I was so happy for them!
Every person deserves at least one day off per week.
Every single one of the major religions in the world that is anchored in the Bible--Judaism, Christianity, and Islam--have a holy Sabbath as a day of rest.
There is a divine and ancient wisdom to this.
People need a day to rejuvenate.
Everything is nature does.
Even the fields have to lay fallow every 7th year so the earth can revitalize and replenish itself.
There is a natural cycle to things--peaks and valleys--and we need to have some rest and relaxation--to work for something and not for nothing.
The joy on this person to just have a day off--it was so incredible and touching.
It spoke light years to me about treating people right--just--humanly--with compassion--and doing good over evil in this world.
What does the employer need to wring an extra days work out of their employees for the rotten greed of money and profits?
Better to care for your people, and they will be better off for it and thus to the needs of the business and its customers.
Care for people--they are people.
Love people--they are G-d's beautiful children.
Treat others as you would like to be treated.
Let everyone have a day of rest and something to look forward to--to enjoy, to have some happiness, to get time with their family and friends, to get back to themselves, to attain a deserved and proper peace of mind, body, and soul. ;-)
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
May 23, 2018
The Wealth Effect
Yet, others think that they "have it all coming" to them, and they flaunt their money and look at others who don't have what they do as pure trash--unworthy to occupy or breath the same universal space or air that they do.
Visiting Palm Beach yesterday, I must say that I saw too much more of the latter than the former.
Some people were nice, but others were incredibly arrogant.
With my Jewish head-covering (yarmulke) and our mundane vacation wardrobe, we got more than our share of looks--with one older lady who was wearing fancy clothes and talking to another literally sneering at us with her nose raised in contempt as we passed.
People whispered as we browsed the fancy stores where a shirt, skirt, or bag averaged around $10,000!
Even a large (over-sized) coffee table book was almost $1,000.
Yes, we did not belong there to buy anything, and were just respectfully browsing--and frankly, we are human beings too.
In the end, we were subject to some good old-fashioned racial profiling by the Palm Beach Police, who pulled us out as we were entering an Uber by the gorgeous beach and fancy schmancy Worth Avenue.
At least 3 police cars surrounded us and took us toward one of them for questioning.
They said to my wife that Chanel called saying a woman in a "hot pink" top and black skirt had stolen a pair of sunglasses.
My wife doesn't wear sunglasses!
We told them matter-of-factly that we weren't even in that store--although we did pass by there--and my wife wasn't wearing a skirt, but rather pants.
They looked in my wife's knapsack that she opened and it was almost empty except for some travel items for the day.
Then they said that the suspect that been called in had high heels, which also my wife didn't have--so basically the description didn't match and it didn't make any sense why they even pulled us over.
Hey, did they bother to check the store's surveillance tapes to see what the thief actually looked like???
So after they proceeded anyway to run my wife drivers license for any outstanding warrants--hey, at this point might as well try for something--we finally, we got the:
Oh, so sorry for the inconvenience and have a nice day folks.
Another officer winked at me.
This whole thing went right along with the scene of the high-end looking Palm Beach patrol car that they have off to the side of the road immediately when you get over the bridge to their luxury island--clearly conveying the message:
Non-wealthy people not wanted here!
We are watching you!
So this is part of the land of the free and the home of the brave, but where the sickness of money pours from their narcissistic veins.
But interestingly enough, right over the bridge going in the other direction--after you leave this island paradise--is the hospital.
I'd bet that they probably all have nice, private rooms for these monetarily rich people, but for those that are spiritually bankrupted, I'm sure that their money doesn't buy them what is truly important in life like health, meaning, happiness, or love.
For the ones that are driven by corruption, greed, and arrogance--what they get is a dirty evil little soul.
And like Sodom and Gomorrah--these things usually don't end well for them.
If they manage to live out their stink-in rich years, I think G-d will probably send them back one day, but instead, theirs will be a story of riches to rags--so they learn their lesson and learn it well. ;-)
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
March 16, 2018
Homeless DC
And aside from all the prestigious institutions and people of great power that formulate the policies and rules and keep us abiding by them.
This is what I see in D.C.
The plight of the poor, homeless, and downtrodden.
Those that have fallen by the wayside.
People who are down on their luck.
Human beings--that's right human beings--that need and deserve help or even just a chance.
Why does anyone have to live--if you can even call this living--like this a couple of blocks from the White House.
I know there are people all over the world who are hungry, homeless, sick, and abused.
Yet, nowhere is this more stark an example than in the U.S.A where there is such an enormous divergence between "the haves" and "the have nots" and where our values are supposedly bound up with equality, human rights, charity, and kindness.
Yes, we are supposed to be equal in treatment and in opportunity, but we all know that is not really the case.
Sure, some work hard and others are perhaps lucky/blessed, but then are those that are born with a "silver spoon in their mouths" and excel through a tight weave of corruption, narcissism, nepotism, and abuse.
Yet a real chance for everyone, a living wage, and basic dignity and respect should be afforded to all.
Money and power is ephemeral.
Those with it, that abuse it, shall see it pass between their fingers ever trying to clutch unto it with dear life.
Only the way we treat others will last in this world and in the world after.
Everything goes around and comes around.
This is the cycle of life and the lot of those who abuse their good fortune as well as those that harness it.
G-d will judge with His mighty hand and bring to bear the deeds and intentions of those that mock His holy will.
Because His children lay in rags and heaps, while others dance their folly jig. ;-)
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
November 18, 2017
Invasion of Dinosaurs
First one is standing next to the checkout line in Whole Foods in Maryland.
Second one is actually on someone's terrace overlooking the beach in Fort Lauderdale.
Third one is the real McCoy from the Museum of Natural History in Washington, D.C.
Certainly, dinosaurs aren't cute and cuddly--even the plush ones from Whole Foods--they'd eat you and I for dinner if they could!
So why do we gravitate to relics from the Ice Age past?
Perhaps, just like looking forward to Aliens from outer space, the dinosaurs represent an important historical link for us, and thus anchor us in a much larger perspective of time and space.
In a way, it all points to the dichotomy between us as humans with great--almost endless--potential, and yet at the same time, how small we are relative to the enormous dinosaurs that roamed the earth of yesteryear as well as the distinct possibility of mighty extraterrestrials that we may someday (soon) encounter from outer space.
From this context, I guess what's really amazing is that we, as a people, are still here!
Despite our bad habits and unsustainable living, we continue to innovate our way out of own messes of greed, conflict, contagion, pollution, and resource depletion, and create a future far beyond what destroyed our predecessors or even what may come from current or potential future foes.
Like the economy, we think we can grow ourselves out of all our troubles--and who knows, maybe we can if we can continue to stay at least one or two steps ahead of all the challenges and threats--but, at the back (or front) of our minds is what if we can't or don't? ;-)
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
August 30, 2017
Always An Evil Cersei
And the evil ruler of Westeros in King's Landing, Cersei Lannister, never ceases to amaze in her deviousness and wrongdoing.
There is a great existential threat to the 7 Kingdoms as 100,000 strong army of White Walkers and a zombie dragon (as Air Force) invades from beyond the wall in the far north.
And while Jon Snow (King of the North) and Daenerys Targaryen (Queen heir to the 7 Kingdoms) unites to fight them, Cersei seeks to win it all for herself.
Cersei gives her word to join them with her armies in the fight against the invaders, but instead she backtracks and plans to conquer them from the south as they faceoff with the enemy to the north.
This is the classic treachery of getting the upper hand and working to divide and conquer.
As the Queen of Evil, Cersei will torture and kill anyone in her path to power, even threatening her own brother and incest partner, Ser Jaime, so turning on her competition to the Iron Throne is just a walk in the park for her.
Unfortunately, this is really a tale of everyday life...where people band together to fight big enemies that threaten us--whether from violence, poverty, or illness--and someone always uses the war of the day as an opportunity to benefit themselves.
Whether it's arms trafficking, human smuggling, drug profiteering, intellectual property theft, money laundering or someone else trying to get rich, famous, and powerful by exploiting an opening for themselves, there is always a Cersei!
Cerseis are people that don't care about solving large institutional or global problems--but instead are selfish and seek to capitalize on them.
While the White Walkers invade, Cersei is counting bodies of her enemies fending them off, while she seeks to take over once the battlefield is full of everyone else's corpses.
Cerseis are people you know at work, school, in the community and in politics...they take when others give, and they don't give back in return, because they want what everyone else has and works for, and that is how they win the Game of Thrones in everyday life.
How do you stop the Cerseis of the world--anyone got some Dragonglass? ;-)
(Source Photo: here with attribution to HBO via the New York Times)
July 20, 2017
I Got The Call
But not the one that I always wanted, which is to serve at the very highest echelons of government or/and industry for those values and things which I so hold dear.
No, instead I got the call that my professor in college warned me about.
He said:
"You will get a call one day from someone asking for a lot of cash--no questions asked! At that time, you will know who you're real friends are."
So I actually got this call (for real) and in the middle of my work day.
This person who contacts me is considered quite affluent and with an extensive network, and I know him/her for only a relatively short time.
Person:
"You know you're like family to me Andy...I need $2,000--in cash--by 7 pm. I'll pay you back $500 on Friday and the rest by Monday."
Me (Stunned):
"What--is this a joke or something?"
Person:
{Repeats again the request}
Me:
"OMG. What's wrong--is everyone okay? Are you in any trouble?"
Person:
"Uh, everyone's fine...don't ask me any questions--there's no time for this now."
Me {Reaching for some humor in this bizarre situation}:
"Oh, only $2,000--I thought maybe you needed $2 million--that's no problem, of course."
Person:
"Please don't make jokes now Andy--this isn't funny!"
Me {Trying once again to get some more--any--information}:
"Can you just explain to me what's going on--I really want to understand, so I can help you."
Person:
"Do you have the cash or not?"
Me:
"To be frank no. I don't keep any cash around. {Inquiring to learn more...} Could you take a check or something else?"
Person:
"No. Listen, can you go to the ATM now?"
Me {frustrated by the abruptness, lack of sensical communication, and pushiness, as well as more than a little suspicious at how this is all going down}:
"Well the ATMs have a cash limit. Also, I would really need to check with my {lovely} wife first,"
Person {seeing they weren't getting what they wanted when they wanted it}:
"Okay, well if you can't help, I'll just call someone else--thanks {hanging up on me}!"
WOW!
Despite having trusted this person and feeling very hurt by all this, I still called the person back later that evening to follow up and because I truly cared, and they were still not any more forthcoming with me, and in fact, were quite attacking that they were sorry to have called me.
But I wasn't sorry...my college professor was right on, thank G-d--I do know who my friends are!
Whether its a lunch date, LinkedIn/Facebook contact, or social invitation, be discerning about the motives of people--outside of any sane and normal context--that are seeking to "friend" you. ;-)
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
June 14, 2017
I Met The Swamp And It Is Us
That means redefining the size, scope, and purpose of federal government.
It also means reducing regulations that stifle American business and competitive advantage, placing restrictions on lobbying, and imposing term limits on Congress.
Presumably, it also means addressing mounds of fraud, waste and abuse in the system (many examples of each are out there).
So here is a funny true story from when I was traveling recently...
A gentleman is riding with me in the elevator and he turns to me to make chit-chat.
He says, "Good morning. Where you from?"
I smile and respond, "Washington, D.C.," and add proudly, "the nation's capital!"
He then asks, "What do you do there?"
Feeling a little perky that morning and with the elevator ride about to come to a stop at the lobby, I quickly blurt out, "Oh, cleaning up the swamp."
To which, the man responds with the sarcasm galore and probably a good dose of disdain, "Yeah right!"
There was something so comical about this scene in which I sort of baited this guy and at the same time found the reaction that is all too likely throughout America.
Do people believe and are they committed that we really do the following:
- Change the status quo of big stumbling government
- Right the wrongs done by those who take advantage of the system, its power and big money
- Restrain the ginormous national debt that threatens to consume all of us
- Fairly and compassionately address the nation's priorities including those for national security, prosperity, and well-being
- Drain the swamp from the horrendous creatures that dwell and thrive therein
And the capital is not built on a preexisting swamp, but it did come and grow, man-made, dark and deep, as a result of the greed and fear that drives too many, far too far. ;-)
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
June 3, 2017
Satisfied and Bless G-d
It was about how we can learn to be happy with what we have in life.
The biggest marketing gimmick is to say to the guy, "Look at what your neighbor has next door!"
Jealousy, desire, greed, having more and better than the next guy/girl...
That's what many people live for and how they think.
Some can have as much as the founders of Apple, Google, and Facebook combined and still it's not enough.
If just one person has something more...it can drive that person crazy.
Like Haman on Purim, who had wealth, power, large family and everyone bowed down to him...
Except one person named Mordecai who wouldn't bow.
And despite having everything, but missing that one thing drove Haman so crazy--it was his downfall!
When we eat, we can be satisfied with one slice of pizza and say grace or we can have four slices and still not be satisfied.
How do we look at things?
We can be grateful for whatever we have and say that G-d gave us just what we needed at this time and place.
Or we can look at what we don't have, and forever be bitter and unsatisfied.
What joy we can experience in life when we realize the graciousness for what G-d has bestowed on us and we are thankful for what we have. ;-)
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
May 20, 2017
Mine and Yours
And I talked with my friends at lunch about one passage from this timeless wisdom.
There are 4 types of people:
1) "Average Joe"
What's mine is mine, and what's yours in yours.
Someone described this as "his and her--separate--accounts."
2) Stupid
What's mine is yours, and what's yours in mine.
Ah, this is just someone whose plain old confused.
3) Wicked
What's mine is mine, and what's yours is mine.
One guy described his ex-wife this way.
4) Righteous
What's mine is yours, and what's yours is yours.
We all agreed this is the meaning of life--to be kind and giving to others.
What type of person are you? And what type of person do you want to be? ;-)
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
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