Money is an enabler, not an end in itself

A Pyrrhic victory is what you will get if you chase money simply for the sake of it.

In The (misleading) optics of money, I wrote about why being rich does not necessarily translate into being wealthy. You may look rich, thanks to your lifestyle, but may be far from wealthy, thanks to your choices.

I want to elaborate on this subject here by telling you the story of a Greek king.

In 280 BC, King Pyrrhus received a request for support from the Italian city-state of Tarentum, which was at war with the Romans. He obliged with a force of some 25,000 men and 20 war elephants—the first the Roman legionaries had ever faced. Pyrrhus was victorious but the cost was mammoth – his best soldiers and lead general were slain.

In 279 BC, another war ensued. Again, he was victorious. Again, the cost was humungous – his army was physically exhausted and emotionally drained.

While being congratulated on his second victory against the Romans, he is said to have uttered: “If we are victorious in one more battle with the Romans, we shall be utterly ruined.”

His victories came at a great price and are the origin of the phrase A Pyrrhic Victory. It is defined as a victory that is probably far from sweet because the winner has lost so much in winning it. In other words, a victory that is tantamount to defeat because of the tremendous cost borne. A victory where the damage inflicted and incurred is of great consequence.

A Pyrrhic victory is what you will get if you chase money simply for the sake of it.

• Money is a transactional tool. It is to get you what you desire; status, security of bills being paid, particular lifestyle, a home, a car, a holiday, mental peace, etc.

• Money is an enabler. It is to enable you achieve your goals.

• Money is a means to an end but not an end in itself.

If money accumulation is an end in itself, then you will accumulate just for the sake of it. It becomes an obsession which is a bottomless pit. Not only are you playing the game wrong, but, in fact, you are the one being played.

King Pyrrhus’ was obsessed with war. He went to war frequently, studied it and wrote about it. He was considered a great general of the ancient world.

Philosopher and historian Plutarch tells the story of a conversation between Pyrrhus and his advisor Cineas. (source)

Cineas asks Pyrrhus what he will do once he has conquered Italy. Pyrrhus replies that Sicily would be easy to take after that.

Cineas asks Pyrrhus what would be next, to which the king points out that North Africa and Carthage would naturally follow.

Cineas asks Pyrrhus what he would do once all these conquests were secured. Pyrrhus says he would be at ease and pass the time happily with his friends and companions.

Cineas pointed out that such an ultimate goal was already well within Pyrrhus’ reach and did not need the difficulties, dangers, and destruction he was embarking on.

Whether the above conversation happened or is just a fable, it points to what happens when we lose sight of the bigger picture and focus on narrow wins. When we chase something just for the sake of it; be it a battle or money or fame.

Give a purpose to your wealth, don’t make it an end in itself. Or else, it will consume you.

In my next post, I shall continue on this theme and write about the various types of wealth.

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