" 39. Money Is Like A River: It Has To Flow

We live in a society where success is often (and falsely) determined by how much money we earn. Our culture values money way too highly, and here’s why.

The Rich List that gets published each year sends out the message that having more money than the next person is something to aspire to. This had led to a culture where - once we have grabbed hold of whatever money we can - we hold on to it as tightly as possible…or else!

This same culture says that if you give it away then you will simply end up poorer. But the little-known secret of money is that it really works in reverse: it is only when a person starts to give away what he has that he begins to gain riches far beyond mere coins.

Let me tell you, accumulating and clinging tightly on to money will never make you happy. In fact, if that is your focus and your reaction to money, it will eat you up and make your life a neurotic misery. I have seen it too often.

Money is like a mirror: it reveals what sort of person we really are. That is where the real value of money lies - to distinguish the character of its owner.

Money is also like a river, and rivers need to flow or they die. When you dam up a stream, the water soon becomes stagnant. Likewise with money: stop moving it along or giving it away and helping others, and the money starts to go stagnant.

It first goes murky, then it dies.

Money has to be shared lightly, given generously, and used to enrich not just your life, but those of all around you. Only then does money have power.

Finally, money is like a butterfly: hold on to it too tightly and you kill it. Light hands, and a generous, free spirit, will make the butterfly soar, spreading joy and light wherever it lands.

It’s not how much money you have that matters, it’s what you do with it. That’s how to become really rich. "

― Bear Grylls , A Survival Guide for Life: How to Achieve Your Goals, Thrive in Adversity, and Grow in Character