It’s a comforting illusion to believe that world is just, and people get what they deserve. But are you keeping yourself small in the name of comfort?
The more time I spend in this game, and the more people I meet trying to get their financial lives in order, the more surprised I am by some of the ideas that are out there.
The one that really baffles me is the idea that if you just keep your head-down, slog away at your job for 50 years and pay your taxes, there will be some sort of golden-casket reward waiting for you at the end of the rainbow.
This is what I call a ‘watermark’ idea. It’s not there on the surface. If you asked most people if they believed that a good, obedient life would win them rewards either here or in the hereafter, most people would say that they didn’t believe that.
But hold them up to the light, measure them by their actions and not just their words, and you can see the imprinting of this idea at their core.
There is a profoundly widespread idea that ‘good things happen to good people’. That at some great cosmic level, there is some sort of Robin Hood type deity, redistributing wealth and happiness away from the arrogant and deceitful, in favour of the humble and good.
We might call it Karma (though everything I know about Karma I learnt from Woman’s Day, so I wouldn’t be surprised to find out it actually has totally different meaning in Indian philosophy.)
Or ‘people get what’s coming to them’.
That if you’re a selfish, lying bastard who embezzles money from orphanages to invest in African gold mines, you’ll get your “just deserts”.
But if you’re righteous in action, humble in ambition, modest in dress and considerate in your comments on social media, the world will look after you.
“What goes around, comes around.”
It’s an idea that stuffs our language, and fills our fairy stories. The Christmas Grinch gets his come-uppance. Cinderella gets her prince.
And I guess I used to believe it too. That somewhere, somehow, there was an ‘order’ to things. Good deeds were rewarded. Bad deeds were punished.
But that’s not how it is, is it?
The world is a scarier place than even the darkest forests of our fairy tales. Injustices perpetuate over centuries. Ruling cliques entrench themselves for generations. They grow old, fat and happy on the bones and the blood of their peasants. The Sydney Swans win premierships and as far as we can tell there are no consequences.
If the books are ever balanced, it doesn’t happen here.
And it would be fine if it was a belief that only played out in fairy stories. But you see it all the time.
And it was one of the big challenges when I staked my financial future on being an entrepreneur and a property investor.
For my parents and my family, it was too far outside the box. Why take on all that risk? Just keep your head down, pay your taxes, and things will work out.
— Unless I can see that in writing I’m not taking the chance, Mum. Besides, 50 quiet years of wage-slavery isn’t quite the life I’ve got planned.
The younger Jon used to get angry about it. I thought maybe it was some vast government conspiracy to keep us small. Maybe subliminal messages in television and chemicals in the cereal were keeping us compliant and quiet – disposable cogs in a soulless, forest-destroying, baby-eating money machine.
But then I realised that governments are incompetent. Most couldn’t organise a root in a brothel with an international aid budget at their disposal.
So I started wondering if this was just another one of these crazy things that we do to ourselves.
Turns out I’m not the only one. Psychologist call it the Just-World Fallacy – the unevidenced belief that justice is the order of the world.
And it’s a bias. People who hold this view tend to see the world through that lens. If something good or bad happens to someone, it’s because they deserve it. It’s because something in their character or essential worthiness created that result.
There were some important studies in the sixties that showed people performing puzzles and seemingly getting electro-shocked when they didn’t do well. People rated different aspects of the puzzle-solving characters. Those that got more shocks were seen much more negatively – not just on puzzle solving ability (obviously), but on character, intelligence, and looks – even virtue.
The same thing happened when one of the puzzlers was randomly awarded a large sum of money. People were told that the prize was randomly awarded, but never the less, they thought the winner was more virtuous, better looking, more intelligent, more charismatic….
People needed to believe that there was an order to things. They needed to believe that the people being punished or rewarded deserved it. Presented with evidence that rewards were just random, they just refused to believe it.
The belief in a just world runs deep.
And why? Who knows. They psychs haven’t come up with a clear story.
Personally, I think as an idea it’s a comforting sedative. If there is a god of justice, then the world isn’t really the horrifying free-for-all it appears to be. If there is justice, then we don’t really, truly have to face how scary the world is, or how alone we really are.
And we don’t have to take risks either. We don’t have to pit our skills against the cut and thrust of modern commerce. We don’t have to research, take educated gambles, lose…
All we have to do is just do what we’re told, and don’t rock the boat. The golden watch of divine balance will be waiting for us at retirement.
Bulls#$t.
The just world fallacy is another reason why we need to steel ourselves to the challenge of manifesting our own financial futures. It isn’t easy.
The reality is that no ones going to save you. No one even cares.
Too harsh?
donna Bragg says
Harsh words…harsh message… but right on the button.
Keith Ward says
As was said earlier harsh but true. No one will look after you, not even your mum. You need to look after yourself and stop believing in fairytailes.
TeutonicLore says
Not even close to too harsh in my opinion. Humans by nature are selfish beings – allowed our nature and we wouldn’t have made the progress as documented in the last 2000-4000 years. Constructs like morals, religion and social stigmas have kept humans for the most part on the right track.
And let’s be fair they are big positive as far as the big picture goes. All the improvements and innovations made even in the past 100 years can be attributed to an inquisitive mind nurtured and guided according to some moral or philosophy and not allowed to just run wild.
That being said – some people want a rock to anchor to, and some people want to be the rock. It does highlight a person’s desire for true change. As Jon said judge their actions not their words; some people seem to merely want to piss and moan and some want to change. The worst ones are when they want to change and life seemingly wants to kick them while their down; but as Jon rightly said – it’s not a conspiracy, and life isn’t out to get anyone.
Sleepy Bill says
You make a good point but its not the whole story. I believe its the survival of the fittest and most able which is quite just and as it should be. We have to work against random setbacks in our lives and few really care happens to us. Things turn out better if we are also optimistic as well as believe that we have the ability to work against the flow of life and can each do our own little bit to make the world a better a place.
Rudolf says
Hi Jon.
Nicely stated.
I am trying to teach my kids (late teens & early 20s) that they are the only ones who can make themselves financially independent.
I’ll be printing out this BS Friday and giving it to them to read, consider.& discuss.
Regards
Rudolf
Chris says
Great little read Jon and certainly thought provoking. Maybe it is because our understanding of karma or justice is so screwed up, have a look at a quote I read once:
“Justice does not belong to the Christian way of life,
and there is no mention of it in Christ’s
teaching…
Do not call God just, for His justice is not manifest
in the things concerning you … Where, then, is God’s
justice?—for while we are
sinners Christ died for us!
But if here He is
merciful, we may believe that
He will not change”
– Isaac of Syria
Kathy says
Spot on observation about our governments and their level of competence. They don’t really have any idea, but we look to them to solve the problems they created in the first place.
But it’s true, the world is unfair, it always has been, always will be. We will never have world peace, as noble a pursuit that might be, because in order to have peace, you need to have unrest, chaos or war.
It’s Yin and Yang. The world consists of opposites and the “two wolves” that we each have inside us and it’s our choice which one we feed. And that’s why bad things happen to good people, we are all of us interacting with different people with different beliefs and ideas. Having said that, I do believe in poetic justice. We all get “rewarded” for our actions, because Newton’s third law of physics says that for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction. Sometimes the “reward” is in unexpected ways, either good or bad. Call it Karma if you want.
So go out, take matters into your own hands and make your own fortune and future. And remember, as Forrest Gump so eloquently put it, “Shit happens”.
Rayism says
Good one Jon, one of (if not) your best. Too harsh, nah, I agree with you. And for some reason your musings reminded me of Peaceful Chaos, a book a Sydney woman, Margot Cairns. Not quite the same theme but excellent.
Jonny says
Hi Jon – Well written article! You have exceptional writing ability and make a few sound and reasonable points. I like reading your emails :))
However, working in the medical profession for 25 years, I can tell you this with 1000% accuracy….”this” life is not fair….and don’t expect it to be for anyone. There is no formula..and also no guarantees.
While I think it is important to be financially savvy…it is equally important to be generous to the world in all forms. On average 35% of all Australians will not live to 65. So, from birth to 65 – one in three won’t make retirement because they have passed away from trauma, disease, accidents etc. One in three!! Truth – You live one heartbeat at a time. One.
I have seen enough blood spilt at work to last five lifetimes and I can tell you this….enjoy everyday you have on this earth – it is a gift – that is why it is called the “present”, (as opposed to the past and future). Sure, make good investments….but more importantly tell your family everyday that you love them, look after people, help people, give to people. Believe me….this will give you far more purpose in life that just making money and investing well (I have no qualms with this either).
If you read about some of the really wealthy men of the world…most live in the USA they will tell you the same advice..make your money…then learn how to give it away in bucket loads…key to being happy is giving…not hoarding. Cheers 🙂
TeutonicLore says
Very good philosophy Jonny, you’re right about living everyday like it would be your last. I disagree that it should be taken to the extent that people do today. People of the millennial generation (mine) have taken YOLO to excuse a variety of stupid and short-sighted behaviour in the name of living for the moment.
It is a harsh reality (and might sound counter-intuitive to my posts and Jon’s article) that you may die today, but for your average person with their wits about them; it is unlikely. Making peace with your family and being charitable is excellent as is planning for the future but giving needs to be for the right people. I will give a friend my last dollar if he needed it, I won’t give a junkie money right off the bat – the only difference is one would/should need it and the other wants it.
Rayism says
I’m with you Jonny; I escaped the 35% barely a couple of years ago and then came up against a confronting discovery before Christmas with the finding I had a congenital heart condition.
I felt fit, happy, and healthy and am reasonably well off financially, sufficiently so that I would never “qualify” for a pension from an incompetent Government.
Well I squirreled a small percentage of my pay aside (after tax) for my retirement from when I was 14 years old (That’s worked quite nicely too, thank you). Oh, I’ve had my financial and emotional disasters, avoided bankruptcy and wondered about how the hell I survived, so to compensate I’ve lived more frugally than lavishly, and from that have even become a property investor, thanks to Jon and others.
Back to my current survival, I’ve had numerous medicals, ECG’s, blood tests etc from high altitude aviation requirements as well as decompression fitness tests, plus the regular checks as a Blood Donor with almost 300 donations with no adverse evidence. So it really
focussed my attention last November when a Cardiologist made the statement “You
have a leaky valve”. Followed up with “You haven’t done anything right or wrong,
you were born with it” from my Surgeon.
That I was told several times by others, “You are very lucky” still hasn’t had any significant appreciation. I don’t feel that lucky.
From the very short life prognosis, when I asked “What if I do nothing”, my immediate inner response was “That’s not enough”. So I had a successful “heart enhancement”, a new valve and aorta, that the Surgeon wanted to do “tomorrow morning” – whoa! I was allowed a few days to get some affairs in order first. As for luck, no, not really, however my appreciation and respect levels for the skill and professionalism I encountered are through the roof.
What’s my point here? I already realised that “Nature doesn’t care!” If you don’t agree with me, have a good look around!
Personally, my Dad lived past 90, my Mum will be 85 next month, and I was up against not making 67, possibly not being around to even write this.
Evolutional evidence shows we generally live longer than our parents. So this diagnosis really challenged my attitudes.
I’ve supported many charities all my life, man, is that going to improve, as you said Jonny, “in bucket loads”. And I’ve had a serious look at my will, just in case I haven’t managed my estate well enough before I eventually do kick the bucket. I have a fair bit to share
and distribute and I may do some things that some will disagree with and as Jon
said, consider unfair, not right, unjust etc. Well, others opinions belong to them.
Maybe I too will take some note from nature, love it yes, and by George, respect it. And I’ll draw the line there, I know nature doesn’t care, but I do.
Cheers 🙂
Charles says
Very very right. UnUnfortunately Iam going the “good deed” way with a small super and could die any time before I can use it
Jenni Radke says
The desire for Karma comes from injustice being done … it would be nice if the heavens did deal out fairness! But ‘the best revenge is to lead a good life’ is a wonderful saying that has helped me through hard times. Life is simple really – choose between living ‘a good life’, or wallowing in misery, anger, hatred.
TeutonicLore says
Good point. I can’t say I believe in Karma simply because as Jon said – it’s not “fair” by our interpretation or by any sort of justice we have. I used to believe that always trying for good Karma was the equivalent of walking on eggshells, and then I tried rationalizing that we can often times be the instruments of bad Karma.
David says
It’s easy to feel like the world is tilted in one direction…I completely understand. However to balance this somewhat, expand your life to help others and the world is just that much better. Make all the money you can, legitimately, and then help others. Heck, even do both at the same time.
Tony says
You like all of us are grappling with the mysteries and frustrations of this life on earth, where we don’t have the full picture. YET. Its good you are expressing it. I take great comfort in a scripture that says “trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him and he will make your paths straight”.
Clealy that is not easy even for the Christian at times. Even more difficult if you have rejected the truth that all people have a perfect heavenly father who is offering a personal relationship. This was made possible with Jesus who surrendered his life for all to be justified and loved by God. So your words that no one cares are fair if from a worldly mindset but they are not the truth, because there is someone who cares and has the power to transform hearts snd minds and lives.
self believer says
Tell that to all the war or cancer Victims that have prayed to the all mighty… Be realistic, this is two thousand years after that story was written. I think the meaning of life is life itself and to live it fully, then breed so the cycle continues. I do believe in karma, although sometimes it takes longer than expected to take effect and never seems harsh enough.
Glenn Jackson says
This is why Governments appeal to the nobler motives of people in order to win votes to remain in power. Classic example of the two Bali 9 ringleaders in the press at present. The government appealing for clemency at present , yet the federal police went against policy in the first place & gave them up in a country where execution for drug dealing is law. Bit hypocritical don’t you think especially when they could of busted them at our end. Do they really care about these two reformed drug dealers or are they just doing to be seen to be doing the right thing to win votes, & if the media didn’t get hold of it would they be doing anything. Personally I feel better use could be made of the two reformed me in Bali & there experience warning future drug mules.