Generosity and Freedom: The Advice that Changed My Life

The most valuable piece of advice I've ever received was not from a book or a mentor, but from my father. He once included a simple yet profound statement in a letter he wrote to his children: 'If you wanna spend without looking at the price tag, you gotta work and hustle without looking at the clock.'

A Lesson in Generosity and Responsibility

This phrase was originally part of a larger lesson about financial responsibility and the rewards of hard work. However, it has taken on a deeper meaning when applied beyond just finances. My father’s advice revolves around the idea of giving without expectation, a concept captured in the phrase 'No strings attached.'

'No strings attached.' This phrase was written in a letter my father sent to his four children. He retired to a beautiful lakeside home, a place cherished by the whole family. Yet, the absence of a nearby hospital posed a significant challenge. One day, my father suffered a heart attack while a train was stalled on the tracks, causing the ambulance to take an hour to arrive at the hospital. This incident led them to sell their house and move to a location much closer to the hospital.

Living in the Moment and Giving Back

My parents loved their new home. They were able to enjoy a substantial capital gain from the sale, a source of their hard work and dedication. They divided this capital gain equally among their four children. However, the catch was the same: 'Do whatever you like with the money. No strings attached.'

I carry cash with me because of this lesson. When I witnessed a man playing the violin for donations at the edge of a parking lot recently, I was reminded of my father's words. The man appeared elderly, perhaps at a difficult stage in his life. I stopped and donated, which I have done many times in different areas.

The Spirit of Generosity and Responsibility

Many people might think, 'You’re just a goodie two shoes' or 'You’re a fool to do that.' However, the decision to live by such a principle is a choice many of us have the option to make. For those who do not have such options, the 'no strings attached' principle takes on a different and even more significant meaning.

The True Meaning of Life

This philanthropic act, this donation, is about giving and living freely. It's not about knowing how the money will be spent, but rather about the spirit of giving and the freedom to choose. These acts, though infrequent, remind me of the importance of living a life of freedom and generosity.

Living with no set conditions or expectations is a powerful lesson that my father modeled throughout his life. It teaches us to value the present moment and to be kind to others without seeking any form of return or recognition. The true value lies in the act of giving itself, and the joy it brings to both the giver and the receiver.