The answer you give is exactly what this writing will mean to you. When the word riches is used from here on, it will mean riches according to your interpretation.

 

Some of you will visualize riches as an unlimited supply of money; a regal estate; a yacht; an airplane, etc. And if this is your objective—fine. Build upon it in your imagination and, as you continue reading this, you’ll find it will be well within the realm of possibility to make your dream a reality.

 

Perhaps you interpret riches as meaning leadership: leadership in politics, in industry, in commerce, etc. Should your desires fall in this category, the contents of this book will put you on the right track to fulfillment.

 

 

You might think that wishing for both material riches and riches in personal power is expecting too much. But it is not. In fact you can hardly have one without the other. But beware! To wish for both—or even one—would get you nowhere. Be careful of that word wish! It can do you more harm than good as you’ll later learn.

 

I once heard a definition of riches which may apply to some of you.

 

Edel and I were visiting the cozy bungalow of a day laborer and his family. The house was small, but very tastefully furnished. It contained most of the modern conveniences. The small yard showed evidence of a green thumb. The mortgage on the house had been fully paid off.

 

The husband had an income on which the family could live comfortably, and he was assured a pension when his day of retirement arrived. The total physical assets of this family would not exceed $12,000.

 
“I consider ourselves to be the richest family in town,” she said with great pride. “We have no financial worries” she continued, “and perfect harmony reigns throughout our house.”

 

If you have not attained this level of riches, you can think of it as your first plateau and use the power you will gain from this writing to lift you up to it. Upon reaching this standard you can raise your sights once more and continue your climb to higher and higher realms.

 

There are those on this earth who possess practically nothing of a material nature, but who consider themselves rich, because of their happy minds and healthy bodies.

 

I do not believe any one of us should aspire to be a Croesus, because material riches can engender unhappiness as easily as they can raise one to the heights of ecstasy.

 

At this point I am going to ask you a very pertinent question: “What is the greatest good one may expect from riches?”

 

To have money in the bank; to own a palatial home; to be able to entertain lavishly; to be able to travel anywhere anytime—in first-class manner—and to have a wardrobe which would be the envy of all, are a few of the things you might consider as being the advantages of riches.

 

Think of these things and anything else which might be associated with money and you will still be wrong as far as an intelligent answer to the question is concerned.

 

The real reason for wanting riches is to be happy. This is the end result of all accomplishment. Although one thinks his goal is riches, in reality he is seeking the soul-satisfying happiness which comes with achievement; the riches are his reward for attaining his objective.

Self Improvement