Category Archives: Greed

We are wired for generosity and educated for greed.

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We are wired for generosity and educated for greed. Let your innate instincts for goodness and giving prevail.

—Calm App Reflection

Image from Unsplash by CDC

I’m not so sure I fully agree with today’s quote.

I can think of numerous examples where some folks are wired for greed and educated for generosity. How about you?

Consider parenting when children refuse to share with their siblings. Whether it’s a favorite toy or even a snack, the phrase That’s Mine! and some tears often result.

With maturity and positive role modeling from loving parents, our little ones often begin to experience the rewards of giving and supporting those around them.

EXERCISE:

Where do you see the good and bad in our natural wiring?

How do positive and negative role models create a dichotomy in the way we treat others?

Which way are you leaning in your thoughts and actions?

“The greedy one gathers all the cherries, while the simple one tasted all the cherries in one.”

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“The greedy one gathers all the cherries, while the simple one tasted all the cherries in one.”

—Mark Nepo, Author of THE BOOK OF AWAKENING

Image from Unsplash by Shane Babali

What does the word greedy mean to you? Who do you personally know that fits your definition?

Are you a collector of things or even experiences? Consider the following list:

  • The amount of food in your fridge and pantry
  • The number of collectables on displayed in your home
  • The number of degrees or awards you’ve received
  • The number of cities, states, and countries you’ve visited
  • The number of books you have read
  • The amount of money you have saves and invested
  • The number of ornaments on your Christmas tree

In what other areas are you or others engaged in a quest for more? What hidden costs are you possibly paying in your desire for greater well-being and life satisfaction?

EXERCISE:

Where do you find yourself gathering more and more of life’s cherries? How might savoring the cherries that you have or the ones that simply come your way lead you to a far sweeter life?

“There is no reason to risk what you have and need for what you don’t have and don’t need.”

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“There is no reason to risk what you have and need for what you don’t have and don’t need.”

—Morgan Housel, The Psychology of Money

Image from Unsplash by Gabriel Meinert

This quote made me think of a recent passage I read on greed, by Mark Nepo. A few of his nuggets include:

“The wanting to experience more than one person can…”

“We race through life with one eye on what we have and one eye on what we don’t.”

“Greed is not restricted to money. It can work its appetite on things such as love, success, and travel.”

EXERCISE:

Where are you currently risking what you have and need for what you don’t have and don’t need?

Where is enough more than enough to fully appreciate the richness in your life?