Godliness with contentment is great gain
“Do not spoil what you have by desiring what you have not; remember that what you now have was once among the things you only hoped for.” Epicurus, philosopher
When I heard that former U.S. presidential candidate Al Gore won the 2007 Nobel Peace Prize, I shouted a Hoo-Ha. This is the man who changed my gas-guzzling, plastic hoarding ways. The Nobel Peace Prize citation said, “He is probably the single individual who has done most to create greater worldwide understanding of the measures that need to be adopted.” Not too shabby.
But then I wondered: Who was Alfred Nobel, founder of the Nobel Peace Prize?
Mr. Nobel helped manufacture and improve dynamite, then nitro glycerin. He sold his explosives to businesses and also to the Russian army. Even the death of his brother while testing dynamite did not deter him. Eventually, he owned a major armaments manufacturing company he converted from a former iron and steel mill. And yes, he made a lot of money. Today, he might be king of the landmine industry.
Instead, in 1888, a premature obituary set his feet on another path. The French obituary said: “The merchant of death is dead.” And then, “Dr. Alfred Nobel, who became rich by finding ways to kill more people faster than ever before, died yesterday.”
The story goes that Mr. Nobel was horrified. Is this all his life was to be remembered for – death? In addition, he was a decades’ long friend of a pacifist with whom he discussed pacifism frequently.
There was one thing Mr. Nobel wanted more than success or money. He wanted to be content with how he would be remembered. In 1895, he wrote his last will, leaving most of his millions to finance the Nobel Peace Prize. It’s been awarded for outstanding achievements in physics, chemistry, medicine, literature and world peace ever since.
“Contentment is the only real wealth,” said Mr. Nobel.
Meditation for the Day
Godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world and it’s certain that we can carry nothing out. The New Testament
Action for the Day
Today, I can be pleased with what I have or I can spin my wheels coveting what I don’t have. I can throw a wet blanket over my joys and satisfactions or I can light up this day with contentment. My choice.
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