Security Is An Illusion

There aren't many of us who are obsessed, preoccupied, or even reasonably aware of our financial well being this day and age. However, there are those of us (probably those of you reading this) who appear admirably determined to be financially stable at worst and sublimely wealthy at best.

Well, go ahead and pat yourselves on the back (I know I do), but if you're anything like me your intentions are not exactly pure.

My preoccupation with my finances is not just because I understand how amazing compound interest can be and I sensibly want to be secure in my retirement. Sure, I'd like to humbly smile and take credit for sacrifing some short term desires, saving a hefty percentage of my salary, and desiring to be something other than a financial leech on my spouse/parents/government. And I truly hope that whole "10% average stock market return" thing holds true over the next 50 years or so. That would be really great.

But in actuality I care about my finances because I want, need, have to have control. It's the same reason others micro-manage their kids' lives, remain work-o-holics long after they've achieved great wealth, or commit crimes like theft/assault/rape.

Human beings crave control. We are living in one of the most unpredictable, rapidly evolving societies ever (or at least it feels that way), and all we want is some semblence of security. My money and my earning potential are about the only things that I can even reasonably pretend like I actually control.

Yes, all you PF Blog readers, I'm saying it. YOU CAN'T ACTUALLY CONTROL YOUR MONEY, AS MUCH AS YOU MIGHT TRY. I know attempting to do so makes you feel all warm and fuzzy like a security blanket, but we all know deep down that security is an illusion.

First of all, a health crisis or natural disaster could strike at any moment and wipe out all your savings. Or the value of those savings could plummet due to a persistent spike in inflation (I remember reading about Europeans who actually burned their cash for fuel at some point in recent history...). Tomorrow could bring The Great Depression II or World War III, and there's not really anything we can do about it.

Sure, knowing that I'm marginally more financially secure than much of the population does make me feel good; I'm not going to lie. On the other hand I know there are millions of "poor" folks (especially in other cultures) who are at least as happy and fulfilled as I am. The only difference between them and me is that I would feel an incredible - and potentially unbearable - sense of loss and wasted time if I were to lose everything.