On Inward Wealth: The Wealth of The Mind

According to the German philosopher Arthur Schopenhauer, “the two foes of human happiness are pain and boredom.” This is where inward wealth comes in.

In today’s world, the latter is the biggest issue for us. In fact, the lives of so many people are so pain-free that boredom is the primary cause of mental pain.

Think about it. We don’t have to work or fight for our survival. Every person who wants to work has a job. And unless you have a physical or mental condition, your life is largely pain-free.

So the biggest foe of a healthy individual today is boredom.

Boredom pushes people to do the craziest things. Why do people party, drink, and smoke? Or buy new clothes all the time? Why do we need to renovate our home while it looks fine? Why do we post so much garbage on social media?

Boredom.

Be careful of a mind that’s numb

Over the past 10 years, social media has grown exponentially. With that growth came more content and content creators.

A lot of people criticize the social media content of today. They say it’s too simplistic and misleading.

Experts dedicate a lot of time to debunking common health and business myths. And it’s true, you will find A LOT of garbage on social media and YouTube.

But we must understand one thing: The popular content of today is a reflection of the mindstate of the population.

People are not getting dumb because of social media. Everything you see online is simply created because this is what the mob gravitates towards.

For example, some of the health experts I follow are getting really upset with false claims that are being spread by famous podcasters. The fact that this stuff spreads is neither the fault of the podcasters nor the platforms.

Misleading content spreads because people’s minds are dull. Hence, they want dull content that lacks depth or truth. This is not a new topic.

Schopenhauer talked about this in 1800s:

“A dull mind is, as a rule, associated with dull sensibilities, nerves which no stimulus can affect.”

A lot of people have become numb. They need outrageous content to feel something inside themselves.

We must protect our own minds from becoming that way.

Inward wealth: The antidote to boredom

According to Schopenhauer, there’s an antidote:

“Nothing is so good a protection against such misery as inward wealth, the wealth of the mind, because the greater it grows, the less room it leaves for boredom.”

What is inward wealth?

My definition is this: Inward wealth is the cultivation of mental, emotional, and spiritual resources that provide a deep sense of fulfillment and purpose, independent of external circumstances.

Here are a few ways to cultivate inward wealth:

Stay curious: Let the world around you give you a sense of awe. Dive into new topics, explore various subjects, and embrace new experiences. Staying curious keeps your mind sharp and involved. Curiosity enhances achievement, expands knowledge, and keeps the brain active and efficient.
Take care of your body: Always track your progress and treat your health as a continuous project. Keep tweaking your habits and routines to boost your physical health. There’s always room for improvement, so aim for constant betterment. Make sure to exercise regularly, eat a balanced diet, and get enough rest. These are key to keeping your body healthy, which also benefits your mind.
Have deep conversations: Look for people you can talk deeply with about things like philosophy, psychology, motivation, art, and other big topics. Having deep conversations opens up new viewpoints, deepens your grasp of complex subjects, and builds emotional bonds. These discussions are both intellectually and emotionally rewarding, adding to your personal growth.
Travel: Go out and see different places. I originally thought of living and settling in Spain, after visiting during my teens. I eventually decided to return to my home country. But I learned a lot about myself and saw other perspectives during my time there. By stepping out of your comfort zone and exploring new environments, you gain valuable experiences that contribute to your inward wealth.
Find pleasure in simple things: Enjoy the simple things in life, like watching sunsets, seeing the seasons change, or meditating. These mindful moments can bring peace and happiness. Appreciating the little things fosters gratitude and a positive view of life, boosting your well-being.

By focusing on these practices, you can cultivate inward wealth and protect yourself from the numbing effects of modern distractions.

Internal wealth lays the groundwork for a fulfilling and meaningful life, regardless of what’s happening around you.