"الثروة لا تُحسب، الاهتمام هو الذي يُحسب"

The heart of this quote is pretty simple: it’s not about how much money you have; it's about the focus and consideration you give to things that matter. In today’s world, we often equate wealth with success, but this quote flips that idea on its head. Think about it: you could have all the money in the world, but if you're not paying attention to the important aspects of life—your family, your friends, your passions—what’s the point?

This idea isn’t new. In fact, it’s been around for ages, even if it sometimes feels like we forget it in the rush of modern life. Back in the day, philosophers like Epictetus and Seneca talked about how true wealth isn’t about gold or silver but about living a fulfilled life. They stressed the importance of being present and mindful. Today, this notion is just as relevant—maybe even more so.

Let’s look at a real-life example. Imagine a successful business executive, Julia. She’s got a high-paying job, lives in a big house, and drives a fancy car. On paper, she’s got it all. But Julia spends most of her time working. She’s always on her phone, glued to her laptop, and thinking about the next big deal. Meanwhile, her relationships with her family and friends are slipping away. Her kids want to share their day with her, but she’s too busy. Her partner wants to go on a date night, but she’s working late. Julia’s wealthy, sure—but is she really living a rich life?

Now, switch gears and think about Marcus. He’s not rolling in dough. He’s got a modest job that pays the bills, and he doesn’t have much left over. But Marcus is always there for his friends and family. He spends his weekends playing with his kids at the park, listens to his partner’s stories with real interest, and makes time for his hobbies. He’s present. He’s engaged. He might not have as much money as Julia, but he’s wealthy in a way that counts.

So, how do you take this wisdom and apply it to your own life? Start small. Make a conscious effort to put your phone down and really listen when someone’s talking to you. Dedicate time each day—maybe even just ten minutes—to appreciate the people around you. It’s about the quality of your attention, not the quantity of your cash.

Here’s a story to bring it home. Picture Sarah, a young woman who’s just starting her career. She’s eager and ambitious, but she’s also mindful of this idea. One evening, she gets an urgent work email right as she’s about to have dinner with her family. Instead of diving into work, she decides to enjoy the meal and respond later. They laugh, share stories, and connect. That night, she feels a deep sense of contentment. The email? It gets handled, but it doesn’t take away from what she realizes is truly valuable—those moments of genuine connection.

In essence, if you want to feel wealthy in the truest sense, shift your focus. Pay attention to the small, everyday interactions that bring joy and meaning to your life. You'll find that this kind of "wealth" is infinitely more satisfying than a big bank account. After all, you can't take money with you, but the impact of your attention? That sticks around.