We often think that by owning MORE things, and fancier things, we will be “happier”. In fact, I find that my life is WORSENED when I have more things, more liabilities, and more responsibilities.
The more you own, the more which owns you.
For example, my only real gripe with the iPhone Pro— its a bit slippery, which makes it feel like a HUGE liability. I’m always paranoid that I’m gonna drop it, so I just walk around it with in my hand (but then I might get worried I can drop it this way as well).
When I go to the gym, I don’t like bringing the iPhone Pro. Why? I’m worried that someone might steal, or bump into it-break it, or scratch it. Whereas when I have my shitty old Android phone with me, I give “zero fucks”about it, which gives me more peace of mind when I’m at the gym.
Why I don’t like wearing a Rolex
One of the downsides of a Rolex:
You get paranoid that someone is gonna steal it from you.
Or, when you’re out and about, you worry about it getting scratched or beat up.
I’ve discovered the best watch is no watch (even the Apple Watch seemed like a “net negative”to my life in terms of focus and productivity).
Why I’m 100x happier NOT owning a car.
No car, fewer stresses and liabilities. ALSO, by NOT owning a car, I have FAR MORE freedom in my life! (the ultimate good).
I can walk more, think more, and worry less about where to park my car, fewer worries about car maintenance, filling up the gas, insurance, etc.
Why I never want to own a home
To me, it seems that owning a home is a HUGE liability. If shackles you to one space. Even if you want to eventually sell it — selling a house is a HUGE hassle. The annoyance and time wasted on getting a “good price”, taxes, and maximizing your money.
I prefer to live lightly — in tiny apartments, which comes pre-furnished. (“Plug and play living”.)
My ideal: living in a hotel, living in Airbnb, or short term lease apartments.
What is the goal?
Something we must always consider:
What are our ultimate goals and aims?
For example, when it comes to technology (phones, gadgets, watches, laptops, cameras, etc), I think the goal is:
- Become more productive
- Why? The more we produce, the more money we make.
- Why? The more money we make, the more stuff we can buy, and gain more “freedom” (travel more, etc). Also money buys us “stability”.
- Why do we desire more stuff, freedom, and stability? We think this will make us feel “happy” (embodied physiological feelings of grandeur and power).
The more things I own, the more distracted I become.
But I can say, owning more gadgets, things, and stuff has actually WORSENED my life. It makes me feel more anxious, nervous, and distracted.
I think the opposite is my goal:
- To feel maximally free
- To feel maximally focused
- To crush any distractions
ERIC KIM Life goals
For myself my ultimate aims include:
- Building a body and strength akin to a greek god (Hercules)
- Strive to have ‘permanently lofty state of mind’.
- To think more epic ideas, and to have more courage to attack these ideas
- To push the culture of photography, art, and philosophy forward.
What are your aims and goals? Pursue ones which are both philosophical and practical, and within your means and strengths.
And always:
AIM HIGHER!
ERIC