Medusa— you look at it, and it turns you into stone.

What is Medusa in today’s world?

What is medusa in today’s world?

Medusa is being tempted by luxury, fancy cars, money, power, fame, influence, big homes, fancy vacations, and a high-class lifestyle.

Medusa is beautiful on the outside. But once you look into its eyes, you become stone and die.

Don’t be fooled by that which glitters

What glitters on the outside, isn’t always beautiful inside.

I’ve been suckered by so many things which I thought were desirable. But once I got them, they weren’t as great as I thought they were.

I always thought that if I owned a Leica, I would be happy for the rest of my life. Once I got it (and lost a ton of money); I found out that wasn’t true.

I thought that by getting a Prius, I would be so much happier in terms of the gas mileage, the cargo space, and the design. Once I got one, I got used to it after 2 weeks, and it just became any other car.

I thought that by traveling, I would become ‘cultured’, more creative, and happier. When I started to travel extensively, I found out that it didn’t solve any of my problems— I was just escaping from myself.

Money is (one of the) Medusas in the world

“Don’t stare at money too long / its Medusa.” – Kanye West

We need to be careful at what we stare at too long. Because whatever we stare at too long, we become infatuated. And then we create this false reality, and stay inside our heads too much.

When we think too much about money, and fantasize about what it will do for us — this weakens us. It poisons our thinking. We think more about money for money’s sake, rather than doing meaningful work that will empower us and others.

There are other “Medusa’s” in life — which are disguised. Your Medusa can be drugs, alcohol, sex, pride, ego, envy, jealousy, or any other negative emotions or feelings. But realize that Medusa can be conquered— only by shielding our eyes, and cutting off its head.

Don’t be blinded

Don’t turn into stone. Don’t be fooled by that what glitters. What is beautiful on the outside is usually ugly within (and vice-versa).

Everyone’s “Medusa” is different. For me, Medusa is self-righteous anger, envy of the success of others, and the lust for always having “more.” I often see my ambition as a Medusa, which drives me to betray my ideals and morals.

It is easy to be blinded by Medusa. But you can best prevent being turned into stone, by recognizing what your Medusa is, and trying to cut off its head. And certainly by not looking into Medusa’s eyes.

Be strong and always strive to see the light,
Eric

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