Rich or Poor, Is a Matter of Perspective

Allow me to share a short story about a conversation a father had with his son that I got from a friend. I was inspired reading it and see what opens up for you.

One day, the father of a very wealthy family took his son on a trip to the country with the express purpose of showing him how poor people live. They spent a couple of days and nights on the farm of what would be considered a very poor family.

On their return from their trip, the father asked his son.

“How was the trip?”

“It was great, Dad.”

“Did you see how poor people live?” The father asked.

”Oh yeah,” said the son.

”So, tell me, what you learned from the trip?”

The son answered, “I saw that we have one dog and they had four. We have a pool that reaches to the middle of our garden and they have a creek that has no end. We have imported lanterns in our garden and they have the stars at night. Our patio reaches to the front yard and they have the whole horizon. We have a small piece of land to live on and they have fields that go beyond. We have servants who serve us, but they serve others. We buy our food, but they grow theirs. We have walls around our property to protect us; they have friends to protect them.”

The boy’s father was speechless. Then his son added, “Thanks Dad for showing me how poor we are.”

Isn’t perspective, or point of view a wonderful thing? Contemplate what would happen if you are grateful for everything you have, instead of worrying about what you don’t have. Peace of mind.

Henry David Thoreau once said, “The man is the richest whose pleasures are the cheapest.”

A man is rich according to what he is, not according to what he has. Thus, appreciate and be grateful with every single thing you have!

Share this with your friends and acquaintances and help them refresh their perspective and appreciation, and have peace of mind.