“The world is not driven by greed; it's driven by envy”
— Charlie Munger
Simplified Meaning:
People often think that what makes the world go round is the desire for more money or things. However, it's actually the feeling of wanting what others have that motivates many actions and decisions. Imagine two kids at school. One has a new toy, and suddenly, the other kid who wasn't interested in toys before, now desperately wants the same toy or even a better one. It's not just about having something nice; it's about having what someone else has, or something better. This is similar to how adults behave too. A person might see their neighbor with a new car and feel a strong urge to get a better car, even if their current car works fine. This can drive people to work harder, make riskier decisions, or even lead to unhappiness because they are always comparing themselves to others. By understanding this, you can try to focus on your own needs and happiness rather than constantly measuring yourself against others. This way, you can lead a more content and balanced life.