My father’s home and studio — a constant source of inspiration.
I’ve met few people who care so little for material things. All the conveniences and status symbols of our culture mean nothing to him.
On the one hand, I admire him for this. On the other hand, I’ve often accused him of being too modest, of not wanting enough for himself. He is a gifted designer and photographer, and he had what it takes to make more of it – namely money. His work was recognized, but he never earned enough to drive a fancy car, live in a big apartment, or buy a house. And aren’t we entitled to these things? To want more is, after all, the epitome of our culture.
For a long time, my father’s lack of ambition annoyed me. But today I see another side of it.
He found his values and lived by them. He understood that in order to have freedom, he had to let go of certain things.
And that brings me to the thought I want to share: To a large extent, our lives can be described as a perpetual state of FOMO. We’re constantly chasing experiences and possessions. But what about the value of the things we haven’t done? Perhaps we should pay more attention to what we haven’t wasted our time on. There’s meaning in the paths you choose not to take, in the distractions you resist. Because in the end, your time and attention are the most limited resources you have.
