Happy new month! Despite being officially on leave, my schedule has been quite hectic lately. During one of the events I attended this month, I had a conversation with someone about why I left one opportunity for another. I mentioned that money was a major factor, and we both laughed at the truth behind it. The reality is that we all desire wealth, but there’s a danger in allowing greed to take over.
This month, I want to reflect on greed. I recently read a short story by Leo Tolstoy titled “How Much Land Does a Man Need?” It tells the tale of a man who endlessly sought more land, never satisfied with what he had. In his pursuit, he ultimately lost his life. This raises an important question: How can we avoid falling into the trap of greed, even as we strive for a better life?
1. Continuous Self-Check
None of us are immune to greed—it’s a part of human nature. Think of it like bacteria or viruses that exist in our bodies but are kept in check by our immune system. Once that system is compromised, we become vulnerable to illness. Similarly, we need to routinely check our hearts to ensure that greed, this “virus,” doesn’t get activated in our lives.
2. Give and Think of the Common Good
Life is fleeting, and we can’t take any of our possessions with us into the afterlife. One of the key signs of greed is a reluctance to give—whether it’s your time, money, or resources. Giving not only benefits others, but it also guards us from greed. Are you a cheerful giver, or do you hold onto things tightly? Do you seek the common good, asking yourself how your actions can benefit others as well as future generations? These are critical questions to ask if we want to live generously and selflessly.
3. Avoid Get-Rich-Quick Schemes
The world is full of schemes that prey on human greed. Sadly, many people fall for these traps, dragging friends and family along with them. As a Nigerian, I remember the era of pyramid schemes like MMM, where many lost their hard-earned savings. One way to protect yourself is to avoid any investment that seems too good to be true. If you can’t fully understand how an investment works, it’s best to stay away.
Conclusion
Money is a powerful tool, but it can also be a dangerous spirit. If you’ve ever experienced poverty, you know how much power money can hold—it provides options, influence, and freedom. However, the danger lies in wanting more than you, your family, or your vision requires. Greed blinds you to knowing when enough is truly enough, and even when you have a legitimate reason for wanting more, it clouds your judgment about what is worth risking.
I hope you’ve found something valuable in this reflection. Have a blessed month ahead.
I am Samuel Ayankoso, The Quester.
Quotes
“Greed is not a financial issue. It’s a heart issue.” – Andy Stanley
“There is a sufficiency in the world for man’s need, but not for man’s greed.” – Mahatma Gandhi
“Greed is a bottomless pit which exhausts the person in an endless effort to satisfy the need without ever reaching satisfaction.” – Erich Fromm
