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From Consumption To Creation

Originally posted in The Haven

Income disparity is a reality many are forced to contend with, and, unfairly and unfortunately, it is one that was forced upon them with disturbing force. There are people overseas who, if left to their own devices and aided by a bit of luck, would obtain all of the indicators of success within a few years. Of course, earthly perdition being what it is, they must fight, struggle, sweat and toil to grasp with broken, bloody fingers what they feel they were denied and ultimately owed. Ive often felt like one of them.

Freezing nightly was a common occurrence back East, and out here my room is little more than a closet and a previously filthy common area. So, out here, beholding these towering cathedrals of capitalism, Im reminded of Nicolas Berggruen, owner of the apt moniker The Homeless Billionaire. Affluent doesnt begin to scrape the heights of his wealth, and he lives exclusivelyin suites in the world's most exclusive, financially breathtaking hotels. How I would love to live in the Hyatt Regency overlooking the beaches of Waikiki, providing an eagle's view of the scenic, picturesque hikes Hawaii seems to have a crushing monopoly on.

In 35 Rules of the Ronin, Victor Pride cautions to never become too attached to your dwelling. If your quarters are too posh or luxurious, your creativity and unique voice will be numbed by the surroundings. Antithetically, if they are sparse and Spartan, you will be inspired and motivated to produce and manifest, to achieve the possessions that, ironically, sedate and relax the talents you developed to earn them. As I walked, I began to turn over the ramifications of great wealth in my head. Of course I want it, but only to secure my own financial freedom and pursue my dreams. I have no need for a mansion, or desire for one really. Just a place to take a hot bath whenever the urge strikes me.

Our generation, despite what many would have you believe, are innovators of the highest caliber. The geniuses of the Millenial generation basically willed the Internet into existence. The unfortunate image that springs to mind when one reads that word is one of a spoiled, entitled, overgrown child that delights in whining, complaining, and displaying prolonged pride in their own victimization. While there are indeed those like this existing in our sphere, in my experience they are few and far between, and are generally shunned when encountered. In a perfect world, this prolonged period of unacknowledgment would lead to their extinction and obsolescence. For the overwhelming majority of us, however, the world is our oyster, and we've made it so through a unique worldview and remarkable technological skills. One thing many of us have mastered is the art of doing without, Minimalism.

Do you truly need that new suit for the club when it costs the entirety of your paycheck? What about that gleaming, sequined club dress ladies? Yes, you do, especially if it's short and exposes cleavage. But I digress. Often youll meet people who are perpetually broke and monetarily hampered. They slave away beside you for identical amounts of hours, yet have barren pockets and a floating wallet to show for it. They can't pay for themselves when dining with the group, but oddly, always have new clothes and kicks, along with a luxurious car, tires still cooling from being sped off the lot. They appear well off and put together, conveneiently neglecting to mention that they've subsisted on Maruchan Ramen for the past fortnight, and that their throat is perpetually sore from debt's cock being comfortably holstered in it 24/7, a cute parting gift from the dealership.

A minimalist views the world as a collection of ideas and potential experiences,  rather than a series of articles, objects and possessions to be purchased. This dynamic mindset shift from consumer to creator is life altering. The largest lie we've been fed regarding finance is that money is solely to be employed in the service of acquisition. This perspective effectively renders you an incontinent drone incapable of enlightened thought. If youre working only to buy, to consume, giving no thought to investing in stocks to earn assets, or saving capital to partake in beneficial  opportunities when they present themselves, you will be forever enslaved by the rat race. A minimalist views money as a process of incremental freedom.  Each penny of  every dollar is directed towards a singular purpose, that of financial stability and self-autonomy. To quote John Goodman in the disgustingly underrated 2015 masterpiece "The Gambler".

"The goal is to have Fuck You Money."

Boss disparaging and demenaing you unjustifiably? Fuck you
Job becoming too stressful and destructive with little to no tangible gain? Fuck you
Living with a spouse who denigrates and abuses you, lording your shared dwelling over you? Fuck you
Want to take a well deserved sabbatical from reality to rediscover your zest for life, but the world shouts "You need us!". A hearty, forceful FUCK YOU to that one Brothers ans Sisters

Find decent, nutritionally dense food for cheap that suits your tastes. For me, its Chef Boyardee Mini Raviolis. I know a girl that grows her own organic garden back in San Diego. As I would set water ablaze if I set foot in a kitchen, this option wasnt feasible. But you get the point. Cut alcohol out nearly completely. It only serves to render you corpulent, lethargic and dim. Drink water instead and begin juicing. I cannot stress the importance of this next one enough. STOP FUCKING CLUBBING. You will meet nobody of worth, value or meaning in a nightclub, from Waikiki to San Diego to VA Beach to London. Approach women on the street, in coffeeshops, on the subway, the bookstore, the bar you may frequent on occasion, conventions, anywhere but a fucking club. Paraphrasing David Kocher, perform where youre at your best. The bouncers are assholes, the women are undeservedly uptight, the guys are douchebags, drinks are overpriced, and the atmosphere is usually one of unrepentant narcissism. Throw parties with your friends instead and invite scores of acquaintances youd like to thicken ties with. Youll strengthen bonds, save money and wont catch an STD. Hopefully.

Minimalism is a topic Im incredibly intense about, because its saved me on more than one occasion. As I saved, invested, cut expenditures and watched my accounts blossom like the seeds in freshly watered and carefully tended flowerbeds, the pride I felt eclipsed any brief hit of dopamine I got when wasting funds on some overpriced material thing. Save half of your income and invest the other half, every paycheck, without fail. Research Dollar Cost Averaging. Read Mr Money Mustache, Early Retirement Extreme, and Financial Samurai. Seriously, this is the best advice I can stress aside from hitting the gym and reading daily. Become awoken, not dormant.

Best regards Haven

Gino




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