That's a stretch- ha! :) but I will give you this much- carrying less 'grudge-baggage' as you call it, benefits one's one's entire being.

A 'simple ascetic' lifestyle is more about severely restricting yourself from every material satisfaction for religious purposes.

My "baggage" is so big it comes with wheels.

oooops--- i thought grudge baggage was just another name for plain old "baggage" that most of us carry. so i edited.
i don't carry any grudges of wrongdoings. for one, i can't even remember them.

A grudge is something no one should hold
It tends to make the kindest cold
It will change your day
From happy to bad
It will consume the mind
until surley you have gone mad
A Grudge is something that poisons the soul
Taking over the mind and body until you have no control
A grudge is a monstrous creature
That hungers for revenge
This hunger won't cease till your dying end
Grudges steal away your mind
They rob you of your thoughts
People will abandon you for you have been long lost
So live a life full of love and not hate
For if you choose the path of the grudge
Your life will end a cruel fate
For 'you can't shake a hand with a closed fist'
And a grudge is all you'll be left with

Many of our generation grew up "poor" by today's standards. At the time, we didn't know or feel poor. That said, most of us worked hard and saved---making sacrifices for retirement. At this point, most of us don't want less---we already had less.

Bottom line, more good health for ourselves and friends is more important than more "material things" at this point in our lives.

How is that working out for you? Life offers lots of options and we usually have to choose among them. You can be single, married or have multiple marriages. You can live in the city or rural area.

One good profession may be better (more effective) than multiple professions.

To concentrate on that which is most essential to you, whatever that may be.

VPL, I think you're taking TVC's post too LITerally.

They knew how to eliminate non essentials so as to concentrate on what was most important to them. It doesn't mean you can't have wealth. Warren Buffett concentrated on what was most important to him and became a very successful (wealthy) investor. It means learning to say no to things that don't contribute to whatever your goal is.

:agree:

Another thread where the question is akin to, "how many angels dance on the head of a pin".

If one expresses any thoughts on this question, you can be assured of a rejoinder. :D

Oh wait, that's happened already. :smiley:

Hit it on the head.

Use your possessions to support your family and give to genuine charities.

What are you doing to try to have it all? Are you taking singing lessons, piano lessons, dancing lessons, acting lessons, studying for you masters degree, working two or three jobs, raising a big family? Do you belong to 14 clubs?

Isn't there one special thing that has priority over everything else? If you say yes to everything, you may not go very far in any one direction. There may be lots of wasted effort.

Of course I did but I was using his post to illustrate that no one can have it all and the importance of choosing among options.

I agree. Before I moved to The Villages I lived in a two story 8 room house. Lots of extra rooms meant that I seldom had to throw anything away. When in doubt, save it.....you never know when you might need it.

When it came time to move to The Villages I felt like my junk owned me. There were lots of decisions to make but I finally got it down to a manageable amount. It's still too much but everything has sentimental value. :)

Hyperbole, by definition, is not to be taken literally.

Exactly. Warren Buffett is not ruled by his money, as an example.

And it goes beyond material things, like not being ruled by what others expect of us.