Love Over Lucre🌹

Mansions, supercars, jewelry, private jets, and yachts stand as towering icons of success and opulence in our modern society. These images and videos, which are frequently shared on social media platforms such as TikTok and Instagram, create a story that is both enchanting and potentially misleading. They entice us with the allure of a dream life, prompting us to pause and wonder: do these material symbols truly embody our deepest wishes, or are they merely mirages of desire and possession?

From my perspective, it's critical to dissect the widely held belief that happiness and money are inextricably linked. This deeply ingrained belief in our societal psyche demands critical examination. Is this material manifestation of wealth the true essence of a happy life? I intend to challenge this notion, arguing that, while money is valuable, it should not be regarded as the ultimate measure of life's worth.

The influence of social media on our perception of wealth is undeniable. TikTok and Instagram, for example, serve as modern-day amplifiers of the wealth narrative, inundating us with constant displays of extravagant lifestyles. From the opulence of sprawling mansions to the glitz of flashy supercars, these images seep into our consciousness, fueling an insatiable desire for wealth. This constant exposure can frequently detach us from the tangible realities of life, sparking an obsession with amassing material possessions.

Those who display such wealth online, in my opinion, fall into three distinct categories. The first category consists of individuals who have inherited their wealth, beneficiaries of their ancestors' fortunes. The second group adopts a “fake it till you make it” approach, often leveraging a widespread desire for quick riches. Consider the truth behind those promotional videos set against luxurious backdrops; it's eye-opening to realize how easily these displays of wealth can be fabricated, such as renting a private jet for less than $500 for a photo shoot. Those in the third category have truly amassed wealth through hard work and perseverance. Surprisingly, we see fewer flamboyant displays of wealth in this category. Each of these categories tells a different story about wealth, eliciting different perspectives on the nature of success and the role of money in our lives.

My primary focus is not on the opulence displayed online or the methods by which individuals accumulate wealth. Rather, I want to encourage deep thought about what truly matters in our pursuit of happiness and fulfillment. We can begin to uncover the intricate dynamics of wealth and its impact on our lives by peeling back the layers of materialism.

While the first two categories of wealth accumulation — those who inherit their wealth and those who use superficial, albeit effective, schemes to enrich themselves — intrigue me, it is the third that truly fascinates me. Individuals in this category have amassed their wealth through sheer hard work and unwavering perseverance. It encourages us to delve deeper into the essence of genuine success. How many of us have thought about how these people have amassed such enormous wealth? More importantly, why do they persist in their efforts even after achieving financial stability that could last several lifetimes?

The answer, in my view, does not lie in the pursuit of money, but rather in their unwavering passion for their craft. These people are motivated by a deep love for what they do, with monetary gain often playing a secondary role. This distinction is critical. While money can be a motivator for some, for these successful people, it is their passion that drives them forward.

This path of thought led me to a pivotal realization: pursuing money as an end in itself is akin to chasing a mirage. It is always out of reach for those who worship it. In stark contrast, when you are truly passionate about your work and enjoy what you do, you engage in a romance with the process itself. The love for what you do creates a path where wealth follows as a natural byproduct rather than as the primary goal. Consider the following analogy: if you fall in love with the idea of the house itself rather than the process of building it, the inevitable challenges, such as rainy days or structural setbacks, will quickly dampen your enthusiasm, potentially causing your project to be abandoned entirely. Yet, if you cherish the process, you will see these challenges as lessons or even blessings that will help you to build even stronger. The passion for one's craft alters one's entire outlook on life.

Therefore, I urge you to reconsider the role of money in your life. It should not be your sole purpose in life. Instead, pursue your passions, those endeavors that ignite your spirit, because these are the pursuits that bring true fulfillment. We live in an era when diverse interests can frequently be transformed into viable careers, making the opportunity to combine what we love with our livelihood more accessible than ever.

Shifting your focus from a sole pursuit of wealth to following your heart, in my opinion, sets you on a path that is not only more fulfilling but also has the potential for prosperity. It's a journey in which the emphasis is on doing what you love, with the understanding that doing so will resolve the financial aspect. Embracing this philosophy entails understanding that if we put our heart and soul into something, everything else will fall into place in ways that benefit us.

We must think more deeply about the broader implications of our relationship with money. In my eyes, the relentless pursuit of wealth has skewed society's priorities in many ways. The mantra "money equals happiness" has become a widely held belief, leading many people down a path where the pursuit of wealth takes precedence over other values. In the never-ending race to amass wealth, empathy and kindness are frequently overlooked, resulting in the world we live in today—a world in which people are sometimes willing to go to extreme lengths for financial gain often hurting those around them and even themselves.

However, I am convinced that the key to a fulfilled life, as well as a better world, lies in a simple yet powerful realization: "Love over Lucre - Don't follow the money; follow what you love." This mantra is about reshaping the world into a place where happiness is measured not in currency, but in the richness of our experiences and the depth of our connections.

My words may appear idealistic to some, but the true power of this philosophy is revealed only when you fully immerse yourself in what truly moves you. You'll notice a shift within yourself, a shift in your very soul. And I would argue the opposite for those who believe they lack passion. Each of us has a passion, a calling that lies dormant within us, waiting to be discovered. We do not choose our passion; rather, it chooses us. So, explore as much as you can, follow your heart's inclinations, and your calling will eventually reveal itself. It is that which you cannot escape, no matter how much you might want to. Once you embrace your calling, you possess the power to transform not only your own life but also the world around you.

I am convinced that love, kindness, and empathy have the power to change our world. But for people to truly embody these values, they must first find happiness. This happiness does not come from the relentless chase for money, but from living a life doing what they love.

In light of this, I urge you not to limit your horizons to monetary aspirations. Redefine them. Look beyond conventional measures of achievement to find that spark within you that yearns for expression. By doing so, we contribute to the creation of a more empathetic, kind, and loving world—a world in which the pursuit of happiness trumps the pursuit of wealth.

In essence, the journey to a fulfilling life is about discovering and nurturing what you truly love rather than accumulating wealth. Let us remember, as we embark on this journey, that our passions have the power to reshape not only our lives but also the very fabric of society. It's a journey of self-discovery, joy, and contribution to a world that values love, kindness, and empathy over material wealth.

Let us strive for a world in which the “I” becomes the “We”, a world in which each of us can succeed while still valuing and cherishing one another. A world that I yearn for and invite you to imagine with me—a world defined by what we contribute rather than what we acquire, a world rich in love and human connection.

Artist Spotlight

Serboy

For those of you who have journeyed with me from the beginning, the name Serboy may already resonate. But for newcomers, it's my absolute pleasure to introduce him. SSerboy was one of the first artists I connected with during my foray into the Web 3 space. Since then, I've been following his journey with bated breath, and what an exhilarating journey it has been. Witnessing Serboy, once an underappreciated talent in the traditional music industry, rise to prominence in an emerging culture has been nothing short of inspiring. He is not just inching closer to living his dream of making a living doing music, but in many ways, he's already living it.

Serboy has created numerous masterpieces throughout his Web 3 journey. His works, both solo and in collaboration with other extremely talented artists, have a distinct style that captivates listeners. Serboy's ability as a music producer isn't the only thing that stands out. His personality shines just as brightly. Serboy's kindness and empathy are unmistakable and deeply felt, whether our interactions are public or private.

I wholeheartedly invite you to explore Serboy's collection, whether you're a music fan or not. His music features pieces that are not only enjoyable to listen to but are also likely to be remembered as pivotal in the growth of a superstar. My faith in his talent and potential is unwavering, and I invite you to join me in following his journey. Having seen his progress thus far, I am excited and curious to see how much higher his star will rise in the future.

Zo

https://objkt.com/tokens/KT1THPFxvWecBAm3EM6TvV6T1vUebhFXbWmt/8

During the early stages of my Lens exploration, I came across Zo, an artist whose talent and soul immediately captivated me. The precise moment I began following her work may have slipped my mind, but it is a moment I will always cherish. Her Lens creations are nothing short of artistic marvels, unique in their essence and unlike anything I'd seen before. Her pieces, while similar to others I've seen, have a distinct allure that truly captivates.

Zo's ability to blend different colors and shapes is truly amazing. She blesses us with a new piece every day, and her works have struck a deep chord within me in recent days, particularly in the last 3-4. It's not just the art, but the thoughts behind it that have such a strong impact. It's remarkable how she embeds the essence of each piece's title into the art without being overt, while still leaving room for personal interpretation.

I wholeheartedly recommend following Zo to those who have access to Lens. You are not only appreciating the work of a talented fluid artist, but you are also connecting with a beautiful soul. Kindness and empathy have always pervaded our interactions. Aside from her fluid art, Zo also takes breathtaking photographs that are a joy to behold. These can be found and enjoyed on our old friend, Twitter.

I encourage you to collect, interpret, and follow the artist as well as the art. Zo's creativity and artistic vision are sure to captivate you!

Thank you for reading!

Have a blessed day!

Eduard🌹