What is Capitalism
I think I may have upset a few people recently. The upset seemed to center around the fact that somehow my suggestion of taking better care of our planet Earth, and its people, was contrary to the principles of Capitalism.
I understand how the stress of keeping up with the Jones' and how the 80/20 rule leaves 80 percent of the population in a less desirable position then they want to be in, but frankly, I do not believe that having a heart and being a capitalist are mutually exclusive.
What is Capitalism / Capitalism Defined
The United States of America has long been regarded as a country in which individuals were able to spread their entrepreneurial wings without big government stepping on their freedom to manifest their dreams. In this way capitalism and freedom are closely related. At least this was the way capitalism was developed many years ago when this system took hold.
Many of you are aware that I have been a businessman and entrepreneur in the fields of commercial real estate and mortgage banking for the past 30 years. I believe I speak from a platform of direct experience as I have competed in a fiercely competitive business environment.
The picture I see is that capitalism and free enterprise have built the wonderful economic structure of this country, but this same financial freedom has also caused the current “financial crisis” that most of us have never seen before.
What is Capitalism / Where does integrity come in?
The search for abundance is a healthy undertaking, but when we lose our integrity, this search for abundance becomes GREED, and the byproduct of greed is uncomfortable for most. The loss of jobs, loss of retirement funds, and physical decay to the planet is what we are witnessing today.
Frankly, I never thought I would say this, but I would sincerely appreciate a little government oversight and some inspirational guidance from spiritual leaders. Don't get me wrong, I am exceptionally grateful not to have my work scrutinized by big brother. Unfortunately we live in a world of duality, and many privately owned companies have taken their own 'self interest' to a dangerous level.
The Tipping Point
We are in the midst of a planetary wake-up call where we are all coming to grips with the idea that happiness, joy, and abundance involves a lot more than the next purchase of ‘THINGS’.
We, the earth, the people, the animals are all ONE connected with a common spiritual thread held together by LOVE. Helping another and assisting our physical planet does not in any way take away from personal self responsibility, free enterprise, and most capitalistic principles.
What is Capitalism / Does money bring happiness?
I believe that many people have a heaviness when they think of money. Most times it is because since they don't have enough, there are always negative feelings surfacing when the subject of money comes up. But what is those people looked at money in a different way.
Think about being happy. Let's say you had to make a choice: you get to be happy or you get to have this large sack of money. Now call me crazy, but I believe most people would choose to be happy. So why choose a feeling over a material thing. Because ultimately we all want to feel good.
The good news is if we choose happiness, the money will often follow.
What is Capitalism / Where does self responsibility come in?
What I find In almost ALL cases is that my audiences are searching for new ways to create their personal and business joy and abundance in a rapidly changing world, and the answer always starts with individual self-responsibility.
We all are personally responsible for painting our life’s picture, and if we refuse to do so, then we abdicate this power to others. How do we create and manifest what we desire?
We do it by taking control of our thoughts, emotions, words, and actions and wrapping them up with faith and love. Is this easy? No, it takes a great deal of self-discipline, willpower, and practice. We all agree that we do not always get what we want, but what we do get is always the sum of our current thoughts, emotions, words and actions.
What is Capitalism / What is freedom?
Another great benefit from being happy and taking responsibility is a wonderful feeling of freedom. Once people really understand that taking responsibility for what is happening in their outer world, more desirable situations show up for them and positive influential individuals start to make contact with them.
And being from the heart (walking with grace) and having integrity does not contradict the principles of free enterprise and capitalism; it only restores balance in the system and enhances them! Self responsibility, free choice, and free will remain the order of the day while remembering that we are all in this together.
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