Who are the smartest? The ones who get better grades? Or the ones who are able to do better in life? Do those two things come together or are they two separate concepts?
Getting a diploma is a matter of status. I heard this for the first time from the author of the The Psychology of Money, Morgan Housel. Then I started questioning myself. Is that really so?
Another question. What is success? Everyone has their own definition. Some might say it is to be at the beach the whole day, every day without any worries. Others, that it is to be able to provide for their families and having the freedom to spend time with them.
I often hear people who want financial independence. It’s a big thing. People show interest in retiring early. The subreddit financial independence has over two million members ranked by size top 1% in Reddit. The minimum interest is there of clicking a button on a concept tagged “Retire Early”.
But what does this translate to. I get to know people who say that want financial independence but it seems their words don’t match their actions. Others I get to know, are very aware that it is a long term game and have their money and lifestyle working to achieve that end goal.
Some years ago I read a post of a very useful ability to have in life, being street smart. (The post was in Spanish so the term was different). The message was that if you are proactive and are able to find your way, you will be able to achieve many goals.
That’s why I think that people who have degrees are not necessarily the smartest. We all can find smart people everywhere without degrees and the other way around.
My grandpa used to be a clear example of that. He didn’t have any university degree but in his mind he was always creating inventions, bringing many of them into reality. He would find his way one way or another. One of his mantras was “labor omnia vincit” which means “work conquers all”. The motto inspires dedication and persistence.
Are you interested in financial independence? Are you doing something to meet that goal? Do you think university degrees are a status game? What is success for you? I read you.
Have a good week.
I love you very much world,
Julia