Anything created by money alone is not a real solution. It’s a hack. A quick fix. Real solutions are only produced through sweat and tears. Progress must be earned. It cannot be bought. History is filled with examples.
The first modern aircraft did not come from any of the well-financed attempts. To the contrary, it was built by the owners of a small bicycle shop! The Wright brothers were neither scientists nor engineers. They were, however, fiercely determined and deeply curious. Amazingly, their hands-on mechanical skills from repairing bicycles were enough to get them going. By using the modest profits from their bicycle shop, they built their own wind tunnel to run experiments on aerodynamics. From these experiments, they were able to invent, build, and fly the first motor aircraft.
Stephen King wrote his breakthrough novel Carrie while living in a cramped trailer and working as a schoolteacher, barely earning enough to support his family. Henri Rousseau worked as a toll collector, earning a meager income, but this did not deter him from creating world-class paintings, which gained admiration from avant-garde artists like Pablo Picasso. Steve Wozniak and Steve Jobs, the co-founders of Apple, started by assembling computers in a garage. They initially financed the Apple I by selling personal items, including Wozniak’s scientific calculator and Jobs’ Volkswagen van. Sylvester Stallone wrote the screenplay for Rocky in 1971 while he was virtually broke. He even had to sell his dog for $50 to help pay the bills. Fortunately, he was able to buy his dog back for $3,000 after the movie’s success.
As you reflect on these examples, observe how, paradoxically, the lack of money sharpened commitment and enhanced resourcefulness. Instead of suffering in comfort, these people excelled in discomfort. King’s unwavering determination to complete his novel kept him writing despite his financial challenges and uncertain future. Steve Wozniak and Steve Jobs were so intent on building Apple that they were willing to sell off some of their personal possessions. Henri Rousseau had to paint, while Sylvester Stallone had to write Rocky, even if it meant living in poverty.
The freedom gained from choosing captivating work far outweighs any freedom that money can buy.
This article is an excerpt from Chapter 3 of Choose Your Work
Dan Dobos writes about decision making, personal growth, human potential, fulfillment and helping people choose the work that they are meant to do. He is the author of Choose Your Work.