https://twitter.com/larrykim/status/663642672989675521
I never met a quote I didn’t like; I just like some more than others.
So, rather than limit my choices to five, I decided to scroll through the land of Twitter with #quotes as my search term. How can one resist the seemingly endless choices that the Internet offers? While it’s hard to narrow the list to one, I chose this because (a) I’ve never heard it before and (b) it immediately spoke to me. What did it say? It reminded me of two very distinct groups of people who I’ve encountered in my life: the Haves and the Have Nots.
The Haves are those people that enjoy the good life. In this quote they are defined as having everything. Conversely, the Have Nots are described as having nothing. The definition of “everything” has traditionally meant money, status, and power, while “nothing” connotes having very little, or next to nothing.
The quote talks about “your patience when you have nothing,” and this refers to worldly goods. How many of us would be patient if we had no homes or money and were forced to sleep in the streets or eat in a soup kitchen? Who among us would remain humble if we suddenly had everything we desired?
But what if the definitions changed and having everything meant the respect of others, honesty, and generosity? Poor folks can have these qualities, but do we think of them as having everything? What if having nothing meant you possess lots of money and prestige, but that you were dishonest, selfish, and entitled? There are plenty of rich people who fit this description. Of course, there are exceptions to every rule, including this one.
I’ve known my share of people from all walks of life and one thing is certain: there is nothing classier than a Have who goes out of his/her way to help the less fortunate, and a Have Not who recognizes that money can’t buy the really important things in life and retains a true “attitude of gratitude.”
Interesting. I read the quote from a more spiritual context I guess because I did not see it as having anything to do with material possessions. I interpreted it as having faith and being humble.
LikeLike
I agree. Furthermore, I believe that a person’s level of patience & attitude are direct indicators of whether they’re faith-filled and/or humble. I should have spoken to that more clearly. Thank you for your feedback; I’m a work in process! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Aren’t we all 🙂
LikeLike
We are indeed!
LikeLike
Money isn’t everything. When I was in Indonesia people who had next to nothing as you said, were some of the happiest and most appreciative. It was really shocking coming from a place like NYC where I know people who have way more than they need and seem to be miserable and feel like victims or entitled.
LikeLike
Thanks for your comments; I agree totally and isn’t it ironic that so many people are that way? We need to do some self-reflection and get our priorities straight! For our Writing 101 prompt a few days ago, I chose Socrates and “The Unexamined Life.” If you’re interested, you can find it at:
<
LikeLike
I agree and thank you for your comments. I believe some people are that way because it’s how they’re raised and what their life experiences have been. They never take a deeper look at themselves. I wrote a post on “The Unexamined Life” by Socrates, a few days ago, that talks about this. If you’re interested, you can find it at:
https://luanneoffie.wordpress.com/2015/11/09/day-5-quote-2/
LikeLike
I think this is interesting that your sourced this quote from Twitter rather than Google – that’s cool.
LikeLike
Thank you, but the credit goes to the Writing 101 team. This was our prompt for Day #7 – Let Social Media Inspire You. I love quotes and feel they’re a wellspring of inspiration for writing!
LikeLike
This is my newest favourite quote. I saw it on Facebook a week ago and now today I see it on your blog. We should not allow money or possessions define who we are, yet so many people think that wealth makes them more important and act accordingly. Being patient with nothing is difficult but if we have life or family or friends do we really have nothing? That is the way to think.
LikeLike
Thank you for your comments and I totally agree. Too bad more people don’t feel like we do! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Pingback: Four Interesting Posts | wonderfulwordsblog
Thank you for sharing my thoughts. I love quotes and if I need writing inspiration they offer an endless supply. This was a great idea for a prompt from the Writing 101 team. Kudos to them!
LikeLike
Thank you for sharing; I appreciate your interest & feedback!! 🙂
LikeLike
I love quotes too and found it hard to choose one for the assignment. I like this one though and agree with your response to it. I’m following you to read more!
LikeLike
Lulu, my perception of the quote is the same as yours. I find it interesting how words, whether quotes, poems, stories, etc., can be interpreted in varying ways. What one perceives can have a totally different meaning to another.
LikeLike
Absolutely! That’s what I loved about my Women Writers course in college and a book club that I belonged to. Different perspectives from people who had different life experiences. We get that as bloggers, so I’m happy to be a part of this club! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, I enjoy this immensely.
LikeLike