In addition to learning about Mauritius, a country I had never even heard of before, there were great life discoveries revealed in this episode. My comments about walking and running requiring no financial investment are even more impactful to my philosophy as of late. Off and on in my life, I have wavered between materialism and minimalism. And for the past few years it has been more on the minimalist side. How little can I get by with to do what I need to do? I see possessions as burdens and want to get rid of any unnecessary ones.

I have recently been watching or listening to some YouTube videos about various subgenres of punk rock music. I heard about some bands from the ’90s that had many ideas that were uncharacteristic of punk rock. One such band was inspired by Hare Krishna. The ideas are anti-materialistic and de-emphasize a pleasure-centered life. More and more lately I realize what is important in life. I also was talking with another friend of mine lately about how many saints (not in the sense of canonized saints, but in the sense of someone in heaven) are just people who live unremarkable lives resigned to the will of God. I don’t know if I can live up to that, but perhaps I can at some point realize that I’m not special and don’t have to be.

I realize now that I have contradicted myself between episodes. I recall saying that you can almost not have too much money, commenting on the costs of medical care later in life. And that is true to an extent. Being a billionaire is still having too much money. So, where do I draw the line? I read a great book called Die Broke, which espouses a plan to have enough money but not to have any left over when you die. And after reading it, I think it makes a lot of sense. Wouldn’t it be better to give to charity now versus later, especially if you want recognition for your generosity? And if you’re thinking of leaving money to your children, couldn’t they use your help more earlier in life than when they are older and more established? So maybe that’s a way to help figure out just how much you need so you can find the line between pauper and billionaire that’s right for you.