I either heard or read the following story about Jack Bogle, who founded Vanguard, the large mutual fund company that also handles other financial products.
A news reporter stated, “Vanguard is a not-for-profit company. If you had organized it differently, you’d be a billionaire today. Any regrets?”
Jack Bogle’s answer is profound and I am reminded of his wisdom continually. Bogle said, “I read this story recently: There’s a big cocktail party on Martha’s Vineyard. Someone comes up to this writer, I think it was Joseph Heller, author of ‘Catch-22’, and says, ‘Joe, see that guy over there? He’s a hedge fund manager and he made more money yesterday than you made on all the books you have ever published.’ Heller pauses and says, ‘Yeah, but I have something he’ll never have. I have enough.’”
We all know people who will never have ‘enough’, no matter how much money they have or how many ‘things’ they own. There are others who think they have a right to more than they have. If you can accept the fact that you have ‘enough’ that is a positive step in starving an insatiable appetite for more or for dealing with financial loss.
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Ralph, I heard a sermon at my daughter's church yesterday that echoed your sentiments. You could be a preacher!!!!
ReplyDeleteEd Wall
Ralph, Ed's comment is right on. You actually are a preacher.
ReplyDeleteDid you take an offering when you "preached" at the Red Dog Saloon????
ReplyDeleteEd -
ReplyDeleteThanks for the compliment (I think...).
Regarding an "offering"...the bartender wanted to "offer" me another beer, but I had "enough".
It's good to hear from you, Ed.
Malcolm -
ReplyDeleteI don't know if that's good or bad. Maybe I have too much time to "ruminate."
Baggar, the wisdom of Jack Bogle could bring some degree of peace and contentment to millions of western world hoarders. I think it's even biblical.
ReplyDeleteRog -
ReplyDeleteI think the wisdom in the concept is just the opposite; intended less for "western world hoarders" than for those with "less," however relative that may be.
After the real estate and financial collapse, it might provide consolation to those affected with an appreciation for what they do have and what is truly important. I think you're right that "it's even biblical."
I think both could be true. But I was struck more with abhorent hoarding and consequent waste in our culture.
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