There Are No Do Overs Part 3

Economics was another subject mentioned during the game. Although everyone is retired from their primary occupation or profession, one individual continues to make money. Some commentary: “How does Musk continue to generate income even though his Tesla Motor Company loses money each year? “ “Warren Buffett is not a genius as he only invests in standard safe companies; and he stays away from the dot-com’s because he doesn’t understand them.” “Steve Ballmer has billions and realizes that he can’t spend all his money, so he is giving money away.” Warren Hellman during his 20s, ran Lehman Brothers. Warren, was one of four individuals that completed a 100 mile ride and tie, 100 mile Tevis equine race and the 100 mile Western States endurance run. These three events were one day competitions. He founded the Bluegrass Festival in San Francisco and donated money after his death, to run that Festival for 15 more years. Warren came to the ride and tie events in wrinkled clothing. He never talked about money and at times you would think he was homeless.

Yes, economics is important, but it is just a commodity or a vehicle for exchange. Well-being or life satisfaction is complicated. Yes, Orman and winners of the Swedish lottery, and our Monday night football group have economics in play. Money is important in our economy. However, it’s not one of our basic psychological needs, even though some pursue it in an attempt to gratify some unconscious or conscious deficit. Accumulating more and more dollars does not seem to satisfy or fulfill that desire, or fill up what’s missing. In fact, Gates, Buffett, Ballmer, Bezos, Hellman and others give it away. What about Larry Ellison? How much does he donate?  Ellison owns two military jets. Is that his Second Amendment right?

Having an automatic weapon and an organized militia were also discussed on MNF. Everyone in the group has guns. In fact, one of us killed a rattlesnake, on his property, with his rifle.

 Health, relationships, meaning in life, acknowledging death and reaching a state of integrity are important conditions regarding evaluating life fulfillment. Answering and responding to a survey provide limited information at best. Further, one does not always tell the truth in a survey. In order to tell the story, an in-depth interview provides more significant wisdom into one’s story. Asking someone if they’re happy or fulfilled is scratching the surface. Plus, I don’t know of any 40-year-old that desires to trade places with a 70-year-old. But likely, more 70-year-olds would like to be 40 again.

PS

Yes, I remember the final score of the game.