Obviously, money is important. Without it we would not be able to provide ourselves with the basic amenities of life: food, shelter, clothing, and so on. Money allows us to live more comfortable and luxurious lives than we would be able to without it. However, for everything that money can allow us to do and is useful, there are still several things that can’t be bought with it. No matter how much money you have, there are still things that it cannot provide. Here are some things money can’t buy:
Respect is earned through the way you act and the person you are. It’s not something that can be purchased with money. There are plenty of people who don’t have much money who have the respect of all the people they know, and there are also wealthy people who find there are few, if any, people who respect them due to the people they are. It’s one thing that must be earned, and anyone who tried to buy it would likely instantly lose it.
A person’s inner beauty is a reflection of their true self. No matter how much money you have, if you are mean spirited or a nasty person, that comes through. You can’t purchase your true self away. In the same respect, those with little material wealth can have an inner spirit that is generous beyond belief.
Common sense is a trait that can be developed, but some people just have more of it than others. Who has it and who doesn’t isn’t determined by the amount of money you have. In fact, having too much money can lead some to believe that common sense isn’t necessary or important, but they would be incorrect.
Unfortunately, it’s true that money can buy the things to make you fit in with the “in-crowd” such as clothes, shoes, electronics and the latest cars. However, having to buy certain items in order to be accepted by other people is not a true representation of real acceptance, and you can bet that as soon as the money runs out, so will your friends. The best way to find true acceptance is by focusing your efforts on being a good friend and a worthy person. Being someone who is kind and thoughtful (who excels at what you do) is much more likely to help you find those who value you as a friend, regardless of how much money you have.
We have all heard the saying that, “Money can’t buy happiness.” Well, it’s true. Money can buy some temporary fun and joy, such as a cool car or vacation. It can also buy happiness in the form of relieving struggle. However, this is not true happiness. True happiness comes from having good friends and family, liking yourself, having stable relationships and enjoying the life that you lead. Just think of all the wealthy people who are still not happy with their lives. Yes, money can give you the means to enjoy the happiness you already have, but it can’t create that happiness. That comes from inside.
While money can help you afford the best in healthcare, treatment and medicine, it can’t give you good health once it is gone. It’s much better to simply take good care of yourself by eating healthy, exercising regularly, avoiding cigarettes and drugs, and visiting your doctor on a regular basis. Once your health has started to decline, money can only help you so much.
While you can spend amazing amounts of money to try and look younger than you actually are, this is only an illusion. Once your youth is gone, no amount of money can buy it back. No matter how much money you have, those days when you were full of energy and your body could easily do any task (and look good while doing it) are gone.
Once time has passed, there is absolutely no way to get it back again. As each day passes, it is gone forever. When you miss the opportunity to tell someone important “I love you” or to play with your kids while they are young, that chance is gone forever. No matter how much money you have, you can never get that moment back.
It is another common saying that “money can’t buy love,” and it’s true. Money may buy attraction at first, or lust. However, those who marry for money alone are rarely happy in love. True love can only be found in a relationship built upon mutual respect, care, trust, shared experiences and growing both together and individually. Real love does not care whether you have a lot of money or a little, it still works at its best.
Manners is another thing that can’t be bought. There are any number of poor people who show perfect manners, respect, and etiquette. There are also any number of rich people who are just crude and rude all the way around. Money does not determine how well or how poorly a person behaves. Manners are taught and practiced throughout all levels of society, regardless of rank or position. It’s taught by those who wish to see their children operate well in society.
Much like manners, class is not something that can be purchased in itself. it’s something that has to be practiced within you as a being, and not something that comes with the amount of money you make. Even though money can buy your way into a better social status, it can’t help you behave with class.
Despite the fact that the government has spent spectacular amounts of money in the name of “world peace,” we have still not achieved it. Peace is not something that can be bought, but rather something that can only be established by acting humanely, treating others fairly, and being upright people.
Pretty much everyone in life has some sort of talent, that if nurtured could become a skill. However, true talent is not something that can be bought. Now, money can nurture a talent, such as by taking music lessons, but the skill and ability cannot be bought. Some have taken music lessons for years, and they still cannot truly conquer their instrument. People can take years of lessons to play an instrument that others can play naturally with talent.
Money may be able to buy an education, equipment, or training for someone, however, this does not determine a person’s success. Success is determined by a person’s efforts. Success can only be found through dedicated effort, applying your gifts and talents, and working to move ahead in the world. So, even though money may be able to help you get started, it could never outright buy success.
Money is very helpful when it comes to raising children, it can provide a roof over their heads, food in their mouths, and toys to keep them happy and occupied. However, spending money on them does not replace spending time with their parents. It is a proven fact that children benefit from spending time with their parents more than they do from having a large amount of money spent on them. Spending time with your children and teaching them your values will give them a much better chance of becoming well-mannered, secure, intelligent, and responsible people than if you just throw material things their way.
(Photo courtesy of Tom Henrich)