In 1986 Paul Newman and Tom Cruise starred in the movie, “The Color of Money."
Enter H.D. Thoreau, who wrote Walden in the mid-19th century. “Men rush to California as if the true gold were to be found in that direction; but that is to go to the very opposite extreme to where it lies. They go prospecting farther and farther away from the true lead and are most unfortunate when they think themselves most successful.”
Gold, silver, green (U.S.), multi-colored (Canada) . . . the colors of affluence. But generally not true riches. Thoreau had a few additional thoughts about this. “O how I laugh when I think of my vague indefinite riches. No run on my bank can drain it, for my wealth is not possession but enjoyment” . . . and, “Wealth is the ability to fully experience life” . . . and, “Many a forenoon have I stolen away, preferring to spend thus the most valued part of the day; for I was rich, if not in money, in sunny hours and summer days, and spent them lavishly.”
A 7th century B.C. sage wrote: “How much better to get wisdom than gold! To get understanding is to be chosen rather than silver.” In 1982 Dire Straits released the song, "Love Over Gold," and a few years later Cyndi Lauper sang "True Colors." The true colors of wealth are the blue sky and aquamarine ocean . . . the gold of aspen leaves waving in the Fall breezes . . . the silver of a wedding band . . . the white of a baby’s diaper . . . the dark brown of coffee shared by friends.
When will we learn?
