"一个人越能放手，越富有。"

The idea here is that true wealth isn't about how much stuff you can buy or own. It's about how much you can live without. Sounds a bit counter-intuitive, right? But think about it. If you have everything you need and you don't crave for more, you've already got it all. You aren't chasing after the next big thing, and that kind of contentment is priceless.

Now, let's put a bit of historical context on this. This was said by Henry David Thoreau, an American transcendentalist who spent two years living in a cabin near Walden Pond, away from society. Thoreau was all about simplicity and self-sufficiency. He believed that most of the stuff we think we need actually just clutters our lives and distracts us from what's truly important. This was the mid-1800s, but his ideas ring true even today.

Imagine a guy—I’ll call him Tom. Tom’s always wanted the latest gadgets. He gets the newest phone every year, buys the most advanced laptop, and subscribes to every new streaming service that comes out. For a while, he feels great. But soon, a newer model comes out, and he feels that itch again. He has to have it. So, he works extra hours, skips out on dinners with friends, and stresses about his finances just to keep up. Now, imagine if Tom changed his mindset. He keeps his phone for a few years, uses his laptop until it genuinely needs replacing, and maybe subscribes to just one or two streaming services. Suddenly, he’s got more time, less stress, and more money in his pocket. He realizes he didn’t need all that extra stuff to begin with.

So, how do you apply this in your own life? Start by evaluating what you have and what you actually use. Do you really need that gym membership if you never go? Could you make your coffee at home instead of buying it every day? These little things add up, both in terms of money and mental space. Try a small experiment: pick one thing you think you can live without and go without it for a month. You might be surprised at how little you miss it.

Now, let’s get a little more relatable. Think about your closet. You know that feeling when you look inside and say, "I have nothing to wear," even though it's packed full of clothes? We’ve all been there. Now, imagine if you only had a few outfits—ones you really loved and felt good in. Getting dressed would be a breeze. You wouldn’t be bogged down by choices, and you’d feel confident in what you’re wearing. That’s the kind of richness Thoreau is talking about. It’s about having what you need and letting the rest go.

In a nutshell, the less you need, the richer you are. It’s about finding joy and contentment in what you have and not getting caught up in the endless cycle of wanting more. So next time you feel the urge to buy that new gadget or piece of clothing, take a moment to ask yourself: “Do I really need this? Or can I let it alone?” You might find that the freedom from wanting is the greatest wealth of all.