Types of Wealth: Hetty Green’s Wisdom and Striving for What Matters
One of my favorites, James Clear (of Atomic Habits fame), shared something thought-provoking in his 3-2-1 newsletter last week:
"There are at least four types of wealth:
Financial wealth (money)
Social wealth (status)
Time wealth (freedom)
Physical wealth (health)
Be wary of jobs that lure you in with 1 and 2 but rob you of 3 and 4."
His words really hit home. We often find ourselves chasing financial wealth, pushing for that promotion, or earning more social standing. But what about time wealth and physical wealth? These two often slip through our fingers while we're laser-focused on the first two. Jobs that promise wealth and status can sometimes rob us of the very freedom and health we need to enjoy them. It's a reminder that balance is key, especially when thinking about our personal financial wellness.
Hetty Green’s Favorite Poem: A Reflection on Life’s Wealth
This ties back to the life of Hetty Howland Robinson Green (1834-1916), a financier famously known as one of the wealthiest women of her time. Interestingly, Hetty was known for her frugal lifestyle, despite her vast fortune. A favorite poem of hers was My Symphony by William Henry Channing, which captures the essence of a life well-lived:
My Symphony
By William Henry Channing
To live content with small means;
To seek elegance rather than luxury,
And refinement rather than fashion;
To be worthy, not respectable, and wealthy, not rich;
To study hard, think quietly,
Talk gently,
Act frankly;
To listen to stars and birds, to babes and sages, with open heart;
To bear all cheerfully,
Do all bravely,
Await occasions,
Hurry never.
In a word, to let the spiritual, unbidden and unconscious, grow up through the common.
This is to be my symphony.
This poem reflects a wealth beyond money or status. It speaks to a simpler, more fulfilling life—one that values personal financial literacy and living intentionally, without the excess. To Hetty, wealth was not just about riches but living with contentment and purpose.
What Kind of Wealth Do You Strive For?
For me, I strive for simplicity and the freedom to do the things I want, with the people I want to do them with. There’s something liberating about aligning your goals with what truly matters—whether that’s time, health, or just the joy of being present.
The earlier you make this decision, and the sooner you start working towards your goals, the more likely you are to achieve them. It’s not just about accumulating financial wealth or social standing, but balancing all aspects of life, from physical wealth to time wealth.
James Clear’s insights and Hetty Green’s favorite poem remind us to live intentionally, to focus on what truly matters, and to let the “spiritual grow up through the common.” Whether you're striving for financial freedom or chasing health and happiness, it’s about understanding that true wealth is more than just dollars in the bank.
Final Thoughts
What kind of wealth are you striving for? Whether it's financial wealth or the freedom to live on your own terms, identifying your goals early on and making conscious efforts toward them is crucial. Keep learning, keep growing, and remember—it’s all about balance.
Feel free to reach out with any questions, thoughts, or topics you're curious about. Email us at casey@your-orchard.com!