"Un sentimiento peor que la extravagancia es la avaricia el extremo de la economía"

At its heart, this quote suggests that being excessively greedy or miserly is worse than being overly extravagant or wasteful. In other words, hoarding wealth and never spending it can be more detrimental than spending too freely. It’s about finding balance in how we manage our resources.

Historically, this idea speaks to times when people either lived in opulence or extreme frugality. Think about the Great Depression in the 1930s. People lost everything and had to scrimp on every little thing. Those who could, held on tightly to what they had, sometimes to their detriment. It wasn’t just about survival; it was about the mindset of scarcity that lingered long after the economy improved. This frugality can turn into avarice—a perpetual fear of not having enough, even when there’s plenty.

Let’s dive into a real-life example. Imagine Sarah, a successful businesswoman. She’s worked hard and has a substantial savings account. Sarah, however, is so fixated on saving every penny that she rarely spends on herself or others. She avoids going out with friends, skips vacations, and buys the cheapest groceries even though she can afford better. Her friends notice that she’s always stressed about money, even though she’s more financially secure than many of them. Meanwhile, her friend Emma is a bit more extravagant. Emma enjoys dinner out, treats herself to nice clothes occasionally, and takes a yearly vacation. While Emma isn’t reckless, she values experiences and doesn’t mind spending her earnings on things that make her happy. Despite earning less than Sarah, Emma often seems more content and relaxed.

So, what’s the takeaway here? It’s about spending wisely without depriving yourself to the point of misery. If you’ve got the money, use it to enrich your life—within reason, of course. Saving is essential, but so is knowing when to treat yourself. Maybe it’s that special coffee on Fridays or a spontaneous weekend getaway. Life’s too short to pinch pennies to the point of unhappiness.

Here’s a little story to tie it together: Imagine you’re at a beautiful park. There’s a man, let’s call him John, with a basket full of delicious food. He sits on a bench, staring at the ducks but never opening his basket. He’s afraid he might run out of food, so he just holds onto it, never enjoying the picnic he planned. Another person, Lisa, has a smaller basket but is happily sharing her sandwiches with friends, feeding the ducks, and enjoying the sunshine. By the end of the day, Lisa’s had a great time, while John’s still sitting there, hungry and alone, clutching his basket.

Don’t be like John. Life is for living. The trick is to find that sweet spot—save enough to feel secure, but don’t be afraid to indulge in life’s pleasures. After all, it’s the experiences, not the money sitting in the bank, that often bring the most joy. Think about what you’re saving for and make sure it aligns with a happy, fulfilling life. You’ve earned it.