"Never fear” he says, "I'll build up a big,
successful business. I'll safeguard my future
with money and property. Then, I can havemy
desires fulfilled." The business can go bankrupt.
A sudden change in the international political
scene may destroy his factories and property
overseas. Someone he trusts may abscond with
the money.
Money? The only reason people want money is
because theythink it can get them what they
want. While money can ensure a comfortable
life, it cannot guarantee happiness. Have you
seen how some rich people live? They surround
their houses with huge walls and gates. The
doors are padlocked,and all windows barred.
They live in constant fear -fear of being robbed,
of having their children kidnapped, of losing the
wealth they have so painfully gathered, of
relatives and friends who might take advantage,
of beingcheated when responsibilities are given
to others.
"Enjoy myself," he says. "Give me the best
entertainment and a good time." For the
moment he is lost in a good show, fine music or
a game, he thinks that is all he wants. The
entertainment has to be better and more
vigorous each time to maintain interest. After it
is over, he cannot escape the feeling of
bore-dom and the fruitlessness of these
pleasures.
"Beauty and youth must be the answer," he
says. While still young, he spends hours
maintaining his looks to draw attention from
everyone. But no one can remain young forever.
Time will be his greatest enemy. The skin that is
smooth and delicate wil1 later be furrowed with
wrinkles. Muscles that are agile will become
weak and taut. The body that responds to any
whims of the mind becomes the home of
sicknessandpain.
There is no security in family, friends, money,
position, youth, and beauty. The short-lived
pleasures are only brief interludes to pain and
drudgery. There is no guarantee against failure
and disappointments. There is no guarantee to
perfect health. Not even the richest and most
influential can buy true joy. In this, the man
who owns an empire is equal to a pauper who
lives in a lean-to shed. Both have their share of
sorrow and disappointments. Both will fall sick,
grow old and die.