The Wisdom of Princess Leia
"If money is all you care about, then money is what you’ll get."
I belong to a very small group of people who actually like Tim Burtons’ film ‘Charlie and the Chocolate Factory’. Most people say it’s not as good as the book, which is probably true, but it’s still a good film.
The bit that stands out to me is when Charlie Bucket wins the awesome prize of a trip into the Wonka chocolate factory. He tells his impoverished family that he intends to sell the ticket because he realises the money would change their lives. But his granddad protests, telling Charlie, “What kind of idiot would pass up an opportunity like this for something as ordinary as money?”
Under Pressure
I’ve often felt the pressure of money, although mortgage apart, I’ve managed to avoid drifting into too much debt. Still, there have been weeks when the lack of money has almost driven me to distraction. You know the feeling? Every time the car makes a funny clanking sound you hope it’s not going to need a trip to the garage, or when your mates ring you up to suggest ‘going out’ and you have to find a way to say no without admitting and that your skint.
Sometimes I’ve had to take a step back and consciously decide I’m not going to let money rule my life. It isn’t easy, but then the reverse isn’t easy either. When we see a job advertised which we know we wouldn’t apply for except for the decent salary attached, do we make the choice and go for the money? What does it say about me as a person if I would pimp my happiness in return for something as ordinary as money?
How Rich?
When Luke Skywalker tries to convince Han Solo to rescue the princess, he says, “She’s rich!” That stimulates the interest. “How rich?” Han asks.
“More money than you can imagine,” replies Luke.
“I don’t know,” says Han. “I can imagine quite a bit.”
Later, Han tells the rescued Princess Leia that he’s not, ‘”in it for your revolution” but “in it for the money.” She shoots him a withering look and says, “If money is all you care about, then money is what you’ll get.”
And that’s the bottom line. If all you’re working for is money, it may be all you end up with. By following that path, the bigger things in life - freedom from tyranny, love and companionship, the knowledge of your true self, a better universe – will always be unattainable.
Written by Kev Kennedy.
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