The Chinese phrase loses a little in the contraction and translation. A more literal rendering of my phrase is "The money I have earned, what is it for but to be spent? Money is useless if not used!"
Adopting this philosophy meant breaking with the mindset I had for many years: I was always very careful with money. This is not to say I am now prodigal, but rather I accept that if I work so hard for my money, I do have the right to enjoy it. Mind you, I do plan for tomorrow. But live for today..
Ming probably remembers this line most when we were at Shanghai Tang. We once had a long distance discussion about this. She pointed out that she and many our friends have had to work for every spare cent. They know the value of the dollar. Then I come along and shower them with gifts some of which cost a quarter of their monthly salary or spend on things which are simply luxuries! Of course they will be uneasy about it, for they cannot reciprocate!
Ahh! A different view, a different philosophy. For me? I will enjoy what God has given me, and if I have more then I want my friends to share in what I have. Nothing warms my heart more than the smile, the joy on someone's face when they get a gift they want. And if my gifts enable me to give them that bit of joy, why shouldn't they have it? What's money for?
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Amended on: 19 October, 2000