The harsh truth hidden in a proverb: Buying what you don't need

We all know that feeling. You’re browsing online or wandering around a store, and something catches your eye. It's shiny, it's new, and it might even be on sale! And before you know it, you're justifying why you need it, even though deep down you know you probably don't. But it’s reassuring and a boost to your self-esteem, right? It’s just a small purchase. The old adage, "He who buys what he doesn't need, sells what he does need," brings a stark reality to this impulse shopping. It's not just about being frugal (although that's definitely part of it). It's about priorities and the potential consequences of mismanaging your resources. Think of it this way: every purchase, no matter how small, is a decision about where your money goes. When you spend on things you don't really need, you're diverting funds from things that matter—your basic needs, your future, your security. The proverb highlights a dangerous cycle. It’s not just about the immediate overspending; it suggests a potential chain reaction. That impulse purchase may seem harmless now, but it could lead to financial strain in the future. You may have to dip into your savings, take on an extra job, or even sell something valuable—something you actually rely on—just to make ends meet. We live in a consumer culture that is constantly bombarded with advertisements and tempting offers. We’re told that buying the latest gadgets, the trendiest clothes, or the finest coffee will make us happier, more successful, or more popular. But the truth is, many of these things are just distractions. They’re shiny objects that take our attention (and our money) away from what really matters. The proverb, however, is not advocating a life of deprivation. It’s not about never treating yourself or denying yourself small pleasures. It’s about being mindful of your spending habits and understanding the long-term consequences of your choices. Consider the following scenarios: The Gadget Addict: Always buying the latest phone, even though their current one works perfectly. Eventually, they may struggle to pay rent or afford a major car repair. The Fashion Victim: Constantly buying clothes they rarely wear, filling their closet with items they’ll soon throw away. Then they may find themselves unable to afford much-needed medical expenses or a course that could advance their career. The Subscription Collector: Signing up for countless monthly subscriptions that they barely use. Over time, these small monthly fees add up, impacting their ability to save for a down payment on a house or a comfortable retirement. A simple example. A colleague went to a cafe every morning before and after work. He always complained about the lack of funds for the family budget for summer holidays. One day I turned to him and asked him. How much money does he leave in this cafe per day? He replied that an average of six euros per day, including on his days off, he liked to visit. I simply told him, so you spend 180 euros per month and almost 2200 euros per year in this cafe. And what tariff plans do you use on your phone, and what are the costs there, per year? Because I still don't have a smartphone, and I was interested in the costs per year. The colleague turned to me and asked me if you calculate everything on an annual basis. I replied that this way I can calculate the costs for a year and sometimes years in the future. Do the math like this, and you will be scared by the numbers. But my colleague, after a year, of course after several conversations with me, had already saved over 7,000 euros. So, how can we prevent ourselves from slipping into this trap? Here are some practical tips: Needs vs. Wants: Before you make a purchase, ask yourself, is this a need or a want? Be honest with yourself. The 24-Hour Rule (or more!): If you’re tempted to buy something on impulse, wait 24 hours (or even a week) before making the purchase. You may find that the urge has passed. Budgeting: Create a budget and stick to it. Knowing where your money is going can help you make more informed spending decisions. Mindful Consumption: Be aware of marketing tactics that are designed to make you want things you don’t need. Prioritize Experiences Over Things: Often, the memories and experiences we create bring more lasting happiness than material possessions. The saying “He who buys what he doesn’t need sells what he needs” is a timeless reminder to be mindful of our spending habits and prioritize our needs over our wants. It encourages us to be responsible stewards of our resources and avoid the trap of consumerism. It’s a simple yet profound lesson that can help us live a more fulfilling and financially secure life. So, the next time you’re tempted to buy something you don’t really need, remember this saying and ask yourself: What am I potentially sacrificing in the long run?

Every action we take will have an impact on our future

 In Sezgin Ismailov’s book “The Wealth of the Great Kingdom,” he explores themes of prosperity, legacy, and perhaps even the intricacies of societal development. In this context, the quote “Every action we take will have an impact on our future” resonates deeply. It is a powerful statement that speaks to the fundamental principle of cause and effect, emphasizing the interrelationship between our current choices and our future outcomes. The core of Ismailov’s quote lies in the concept of consequence. This suggests that our actions are not isolated events but rather seeds planted in the present that will inevitably bloom—or wither—in the future. This directly implies responsibility on an individual and collective level. It is a call to be mindful, conscious, and aware of the potential ramifications of our choices. We are not simply carrying on; we actively shape the landscape of our future through our actions. Consider the individual level. A student who dedicates himself to consistent learning today is more likely to achieve academic success tomorrow. Conversely, a person who consistently indulges in unhealthy habits is likely to face health challenges in the future. These are simple, everyday examples that illustrate the profound truth of Ismailov’s quote. Our habits and decisions and the very energy we put into our lives directly impact the opportunities and challenges we will face in the years to come. Furthermore, the quote goes beyond the individual and applies strongly to the societal level. Government policies, environmental practices, and economic strategies have far-reaching consequences that can shape the future of a nation or even the entire world. For example, investing in education and infrastructure today can lead to a more prosperous and equitable society tomorrow. Conversely, neglecting environmental protection can lead to devastating environmental consequences in the future. This reflects the concept of sustainable development, a term often used in economics and environmental science. Sustainable development emphasizes the importance of meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. The concept itself depends on the understanding that present actions have future consequences. In "The Wealth of the Great Kingdom," this quote likely serves as a moral compass for the characters and the narrative as a whole. It may be a warning against shortsightedness and a call for ethical behavior. The "riches" of a kingdom may not only refer to material wealth but also to the well-being of its citizens, the stability of its institutions, and the sustainability of its environment. To achieve true and lasting prosperity, the characters must understand and embrace the principle that their actions today will determine the future of their kingdom. The quote also emphasizes the importance of foresight and planning. If we understand that our actions have consequences, we are encouraged to consider the potential outcomes before we act. This requires critical thinking, careful assessment of risks and benefits, and a willingness to learn from past mistakes. This requires a proactive rather than reactive approach to life, both individually and collectively. Finally, Ismailov’s quote can be interpreted as a message of hope. While it acknowledges the weight of responsibility, it also empowers us to shape our own destinies. By making conscious and deliberate choices, we can create a future that is more aligned with our values ​​and aspirations. The future is not predetermined; it is a canvas that we paint with our actions every day. In conclusion, the quote “Every action we take will have a reflection on our future” from Sezgin Ismailov’s The Wealth of the Great Kingdom is a powerful reminder of the interconnectedness of our present and future. It calls us to be mindful, responsible, and proactive in our actions, both individually and collectively. It emphasizes the importance of foresight, planning, and ethical behavior, recognizing that the choices we make today will shape the world we inherit tomorrow. It serves as a powerful call to action, empowering us to create a future that is worthy of our aspirations and a testament to our wisdom.

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Many know how to make money; few know how to keep it

 Proverbs are wise folk sayings, passed down from generation to generation, that contain valuable lessons and observations about human nature and the realities of life. One such proverb, still relevant today, is "Many know how to make money, few know how to keep it." It reflects the profound difference between the ability to increase income and the ability to manage and preserve that income over time. Let's take a closer look at the meaning of this proverb, analyze the factors that seem to account for its relevance, and offer strategies for increasing financial literacy and preserving wealth. The essence of the proverb is clear: making money is a skill that can be developed and mastered by many people, but successfully managing and preserving that money is a much rarer quality. The proverb does not diminish the significance of income generation; rather, it emphasizes that it is only half the journey to financial stability and prosperity. The other half, often overlooked, is the ability to manage finances wisely, invest strategically, and avoid making wrong decisions that can lead to the loss of what you have earned. One reason why so many people fail to save their money is because they lack financial literacy. Financial literacy is the knowledge of the basic principles of money management, including budgeting, investing, and debt management. Many people have never received formal education in these subjects and rely on intuition or the advice of friends and family, which often leads to poor decisions. Another factor is the psychology of money. Money can trigger strong emotions, such as fear, greed, and envy, that can cloud judgment and lead to impulsive and irrational decisions. For example, a person who suddenly receives a large sum of money may be tempted to spend it on luxury goods or risky investments instead of using it to create long-term financial security. As Benjamin Franklin put it, "Beware of small expenses; a small leak will sink a great ship." This wisdom is still relevant today, emphasizing the importance of detail and discipline in money management. So how can people improve their ability to hold on to their money? Here are some strategies: Education and financial literacy: The first step is to educate yourself on topics related to money management. There are many resources, including books, online courses, and financial advisors, that can help you learn more about budgeting, saving, investing, and long-term management. Create a budget: A budget is a plan for how you will spend your money. It helps you track your income and expenses and identify areas where you can cut back. Set financial goals: Determine what you want to achieve with your money. Do you want to buy a house, retire early, or fund your children’s education? Setting financial goals helps you stay motivated and make decisions that will help you achieve them. Save regularly: Save regularly, even if it’s a small amount. Build an emergency fund to cover unexpected expenses. Automate your savings by setting up an automatic transfer from your checking account to your savings account each month. Invest wisely: Investing is a way to grow your money over time. Consult a financial advisor to develop an investment strategy that’s right for your goals and risk tolerance. Diversify your investments to manage risk. Manage debt: Avoid accumulating debt, especially high-interest debt like credit cards. If you do, develop a plan to pay it off. Avoid impulse purchases: Before making a purchase, think about whether you really need it. Avoid shopping when you’re emotional. Seek professional advice: If you’re having trouble managing your money, don’t hesitate to seek professional advice from a financial advisor. A good advisor can help you develop a financial plan that is right for your needs. The saying “Many know how to make money, few know how to keep it” is a reminder that financial stability is not just about increasing income, but also about skillfully managing and preserving that income. By increasing financial literacy, creating a budget, setting financial goals, investing regularly, investing wisely, managing for the long term, and avoiding impulsive purchases, anyone can improve their ability to keep their money and achieve financial security. The saying remains relevant today because it highlights an essential aspect of financial well-being that is often overlooked. Making money is important, but keeping it requires discipline, knowledge, and careful planning. Understanding this truth and taking proactive steps to improve your financial literacy is the key to achieving long-term financial stability and prosperity.

The guidance of an artificial intelligence system

Yesterday, I made the decision to consult Gemini for guidance regarding Google. The following is some guidance for investing in a new company that has developed a new method of producing hydrogen. The truly notable ones are included, however there is no information about anyone who has discovered something extraordinary as of yet. More or less, it provides the genuinely famous ones. In my opinion, a significant number of the recently established automobile manufacturing businesses will fail in the not too distant future. On the other hand, hydrogen businesses have a success rate of at least thirty percent. mainly due to the fact that automobiles are likely to get together with the major players and survive a little bit longer. Because of this, there will be a very limited amount of space available for the new ones at the larger ones. There should be no more than five to seven new players. But there is not enough room in this market for a large number of participants. Regarding energy, on the other hand, I suppose it is unavoidable. Because of this, all of the newly conceived businesses in the hydrogen industry are unable to achieve true success without the availability of finance; nevertheless, they do have the possibility to sell their technology. In point of fact, Canada and Australia both have a significant amount of chances in this industry. It is up to investors to decide whether or not African countries would participate. However, Africa possesses a significant potential for the creation of hydrogen. One must keep a close eye on which new and major players will initiate projects in that location. This will become the new green gold sooner or later, and we do not have much of a choice in the matter. As time goes on, the end of black gold is drawing near. No matter what we do, we are unable to exist if we do not have energy. Choosing something that genuinely generates hydrogen at the lowest feasible cost is the next step that needs to be taken. At the end of the day, everything is a risk.

Sezgin Ismailov is the author.