Welcome to The Stoic Ledger, a daily money meditation from one of the Stoic sages.

69/365: Zeno on extravagance

We’ve heard of self-destructive beliefs. They roll in a vicious feedback loop that spins around and attacks us from the flank.

Believing that you can’t do something settles your reality because you won’t try which perpetuates the lack of ability and therefore the belief.

Self-destruction also comes from extravagance or the incessant need for lavish things. It places us on the hedonic treadmill at a pace we can’t sustain. Unhappiness, unmet desire, and financial ruin all wait at the end of the race.

You cross the finish line, look around and realize you need more.

You cross the finish line, look around and realize you’re broke.

You cross the finish line, look around and realize you don’t like those that are around you.