Risk

 For people who need people, often we are stuck with listening to advice from a wide variety of contacts. As we age, it seems like everyone we talk to has an opinion on what you should do. As people grow, they want to share their life experience and wisdom.

The bible talks about money, and how the love of it is the root of all evil. It is easy to get side-tracked and chase it, even though doing so means taking on (sometimes) undo risk. Additionally, in legal situations, there is risk, because, in the courts, our freedom is at stake.

It's important to surround ourselves with the right kind of people, that means people we know and trust. I am fortunate to have some good people in my life, but there are some not-so-good people too. Since every man is essentially an island, we have to vet the good ones from the bad. This is not a judgment, but a simple reality. One key ingredient to recognizing whom you should listen to, is drugs. I have come into contact with a fair amount of people who think they know things, but have done drugs themselves. I am referring to hard drugs. This phenomenon is present in all walks of life, from rich to poor. It's important to stay away from these kinds of people. Doing drugs is perhaps the single most dangerous thing you can do, mainly because people who do them are convincing. Lives are ruined this way.

I don't want to take on undo risk. I want to use the advice of people who care, listen to it, and accept a small amount of risk. One of my friends, says the best way to get "rich" is slowly, over time. That is why, in my (small) portfolio, I will be buying "Berkshire Hathaway", a steady and safe company. I am not rich and never will be, and I am beginning to think a life in pursuit of riches is not the best way to go.

A good book, will always ground you. Living for knowledge and wisdom is better than living for money. As we navigate the speed bumps of life, we have to keep in mind that there are things we cannot have. Life is long, it's not a race. Another thing my friend said is, "Nice guys finish last, but we finish." Very important piece of wisdom.