Money can buy a lot of things, but at the end of the day, there are also a lot of things it cannot buy. Yeah, people say money makes the world go round which it does to some extent, but overall, money is not everything.
Below, I am going to go over some of the things that people tend to think money can buy that money cannot actually buy. You can buy false versions of this with money sometimes, but overall, getting the real deal isn’t going to be possible with the flick of your wallet. Things are not that simple.
12 Things Money Cannot Buy:
1. Trust
Sure, money might be able to get people on your side, but it’s not going to make them trust you. They’re still going to be on edge and questioning the things you do. Trust must be earned.
For readers interested in understanding and building trust, “The Speed of Trust: The One Thing That Changes Everything” by Stephen M.R. Covey offers insights into the foundational importance of trust in all aspects of life and how it can be cultivated.
2. Talent
Sure, you might be able to get lessons for things and improve a lot, but if you’re not talented at something, then you’re just not talented. You might be able to get better at whatever it is, but you’ll never be at the level you want to be. This is just how things go sometimes.
3. Real Friendships
Money only buys fake friends. Real friends will be there for you because they care for you, not because you have cash to spend. Sure, you might be surrounded by people, but I can guarantee if you’re ‘buying’ their friendships then they’re fake friends.
To explore the nature of genuine friendships, “Friendship: The Evolution, Biology, and Extraordinary Power of Life’s Fundamental Bond” by Lydia Denworth provides a deep dive into the science and significance of true friendship.
4. Truth
Money isn’t enough to get the truth from everyone. While it might be able to sway some, there will be people that are unwilling to hear you out. We all are only willing to say the things we are comfortable with, after all.
5. Happiness
While money can help our lives big time, it’s not going to be enough to make us happy overall. We all need to be aware that the things that bring happiness don’t have anything to do with money. Sure, money is nice to have, but if you have a caring family, that should matter a lot more.
For those seeking to understand the true sources of happiness, “The Happiness Hypothesis: Finding Modern Truth in Ancient Wisdom” by Jonathan Haidt is an excellent resource that combines psychological research with philosophical wisdom.
6. Purpose
Just because you have money doesn’t mean you’re going to know what your purpose in this world is. You may still feel empty inside being unable to pin that down. You can’t buy a reason to keep moving forward, it just doesn’t work like that.
7. Time
Time is something we are always losing and you cannot buy more of it. When your time is up, your time is up. It’s just that simple.
8. Mindfulness
Mindfulness is something you have to work at to learn. It’s not something you can get straight overnight. Money doesn’t help at all when it comes to this kind of thing.
9. Empathy
Money won’t make you care for others or make others care for you. Only your emotional intelligence can do that. If you are not empathic, that’s something you need to work within on.
10. Love
Love is not something that can be bought. Sure, you might be able to buy false love and have someone by your side but that’s not a love that you should want in your life. The love that sweeps you off of your feet cannot be purchased.
11. Health
Yes, if you’re rich and sick you can get access to better medications and things of that sort but you cannot just reverse your aging. Getting back the body you once had is not possible on any level. You need to take care of yourself while you can.
12. Self-Love
No amount of money in this world is enough to make us love ourselves. At the end of the day, we still feel the way we do about who we are. That we have to soul-search and dive within to work through.
To guide readers on a journey toward self-acceptance and love, “The Gifts of Imperfection: Let Go of Who You Think You’re Supposed to Be and Embrace Who You Are” by Brené Brown offers strategies and insights for embracing one’s authentic self.