In the category of “the things we’d most like to fix in the world,” we’d love it if we could help everybody value their intellect more than their pocketbook. We’re realists and know that’s a long journey to take, but we like to think that the mission and growing following of postconsumers is starting us there. That belief is what led us to this week’s quote of the week:
“No one is satisfied with his fortune, nor dissatisfied with his intellect.” Antoinette Deshoulieres.
Oh, how true that is! Let’s begin at the beginning with the first half of the quote. When have you ever seen a person truly happy with his or her fortune? Even the wealthiest among us still strive to gain more and more wealth. And even if you take the focus away from the wealthiest, those of us who have plenty of wealth for comfortable and happy lives are also striving for more wealth and possessions, often to the detriment of our current happiness.
On the other end of the spectrum, we’re often not only content with our intellect but actually defensive about it. In truth, intellect is something that has value in constantly trying to improve … and not just because the smarter you make yourself the more likely you are to earn more money! Increasing your knowledge of the world around you, stories, books, how to create art, ways to stay in shape, funny facts and the entire range of knowledge that exists in the world can bring you great happiness and satisfaction. Not only is the brain happiest when it absorbs things, but in your process of discovery you’re likely to find things that move you emotionally, that give you new hobbies and interests, and that make you feel more complete as a person. It sounds cliché, but “never stop learning” is a phrase that gets repeated for a reason. The quest for knowledge can bring real satisfaction, and though it may not have a final destination, it can fill you up internally along the way. The quest for fortune also has no final destination, but it doesn’t have the benefit of being fulfilling as you go along!
In case you’ve never heard of Antoinette before (we actually hadn’t!), her full name was Antoinette Du Ligier de la Garde Deshoulières, and she was a French poet who lived in Paris from 1638 until 1694.
