Accumulation of Wealth: The Downside

January 17, 2015


How much to accumulate? This question is bothering most of the men who are in the Gulf countries and have crossed their golden years. A few call it a day and hang their boots; but majority of them continue to toil till they are forced to go, either after retirement or when their body does not support the mind! Some even continue by taking extensions.

Ecclesiastes (Old Testament) chapter 2 says the following, which I found to be meaningful and apt.

“Versus17; so I hated life, because the work that is done under the sun was grievous to me. All of it is meaningless, a chasing after the wind. 18; I hated all the things I had toiled for under the sun, because I must leave them to the one who comes after me. 19; and who knows whether that person will be wise or foolish? Yet they will have control over all the fruit of my toil into which I have poured my effort and skill under the sun. This too is meaningless. 20; so my heart began to despair over all my toilsome labor under the sun. 21; for a person may labor with wisdom, knowledge and skill, and then they must leave all they own to another who has not toiled for it. This too is meaningless and a great misfortune. 22; what do people get for all the toil and anxious striving with which they labor under the sun? 23; all their days their work is grief and pain; even at night their minds do not rest. This too is meaningless.”

There are a countless number of men from my hometown whose life was exactly as described above. They toiled all their life; sacrificing everything; their youth, family life, comforts, a decent meal and in many cases evencould not practice their faith! Over and above sacrificing the biological needs of human body!

In acquiring wealth they miss to witness the childhood and youth of their children. This is the most important phase of life for a child as well as the parent. The children need the father when they grow up. The husband leavesthe childrenback with their wife to take care. Isn’t it similar to single parenting!? It is not easy for a young woman to stay alone and to manage as our men in our society back at home areinimical.

One may argue it is necessary to uplift the family memberswho are down trodden back at home or give the family a better living. I agree with such people, but later even when they are brought up, still they continue with the same kind of life.

We forget to live in the present. The rat race of accumulation of wealth continues. We don’t know why we are accumulating. When asked, we say for our future, which we never know neither anyone can predict. We forget the present and are busy working for the future. As explained by Ecclesiastes above in versus 18 to 21, we don’t know who is going to inheritour accumulated possessions! Is he worthy enough to enjoy it? We forget that the time which we have passed cannot come back. Time is like a flowing river, no water passes beneath your feet twice, much like the river, moments never pass you by again, so cherish every moment that life gives to you.

Here I want to narrate a small story. One of my colleagues during my professional experience explained his own story. His father accumulated wealth by toiling as a teacher in the African continent. He was a miser. His justification was the same; the accumulation is for my children and for their education. Fortunately both sons turned out to be intelligent and got into the most prestigious institutes of India - the IITs. The sons made their own fortune and the father’s wealth remained unclaimed. What is the use of such misery! Now this father wants to give away all his accumulation to his grandchildren, who do not require it as they are already well off. This is why I stress we do not know what is stored for us in our future!

In many cases we do not use the gifts given by God to us. We simply say 'I require this for the future of my children and myself'. We have no faith. As per the scriptures of Mathew chapter 6 vs 26 “Look at the birds. They don't plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren't you far more valuable to him than they are?”

We often go on acquiring infinite money, assets and material things, but fail to understand that the God hasgiven us a finite time. Can we enjoy all these wealth/assets within that finite time provided to us? I think it is not. If you build a beautiful mansion and then if you do not stay in that mansion during the prime time of your life what is the use of it? It is a typical scene in most of the villages back in Kerala and coastal Karnataka. Beautiful mansions are built, but in many cases they are empty or scantly occupied by a few members of the family. It is like a show piece to please the society. We live for the sake of society by sacrificing our own happiness and pleasure. For many this becomes a trap to continue as they invest all their savings, which forces them to stay away from family to maintain the house and the styles. In many cases the assets accumulated become a cause of fight and misunderstandings among the siblings if the assets are not properly distributed. Many a time the huge asset gets into legal entanglements and none will enjoy them.

We always give an excuse saying 'what will I do if I take an early retirement? I will fall sick if I stop working'. Why we should think if we return to homeland retirement is the only option? Take up a job if you are young. I am not advising you to venture into a business. This may be a tough task as we all do not have the skills to handle the current business tricks back at home.

The question is, how can we keep ourselves engaged and busy when we return to homeland? We can always take up social work, help the needy, develop our hobbies. We need to give back to our society from which we have received so many things.There are many ways we can achieve this by means of teaching, training the young with our skills and experience which we have garnered through the years. We can actively work in at religious places to serve the community. Enhance your knowledge in your faith.

In conclusion there are infinite things we can do to pass our time by keeping ourselves healthy and happy.

Once again read the chapter 2 of Ecclesiastes, you will be enlightened!

 

By Donald Lewis
Donald Lewis, hailing from Katapady, Udupi, is a chemical engineer with 27 years of experience in oil and gas/petrochemical field. He believes in learning new things everyday.
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Comment on this article

  • Roshan Braganza, Mumbai

    Sat, Jan 24 2015

    It can be for good if one wishes to work abroad for a certain time and then come back home , but I feel sorry for people who come once a year or two leaving their family back . True , , its a sacrifice too and a reasonable good life in gulf but at back home his wives and children are not aware of the sweat and hard work they put in , they seems to take money for granted and enjoy. Once he returns back home , he seems cluesness , family treats him as liability because cash flow has stopped.

    Instead take your family with you , teach your children hard labour , make yours wives to work or be a house wife with limited budget ( she can do house jobs , no need of maid ). Let them feel crunch and save whatever you earned but do not disclose it .

  • Vincent, Mangalore

    Fri, Jan 23 2015

    All this assumes that life in the Middle East leaves something to be desired. If you have the right mental makeup and have a decent job life in the middle east can be quite pleasant. Great infrastructure, little or no corruption, great quality of life, frequent travel etc. Why do we have to assume that life in the middle east is all about greed? For some it is coming back to a life in India that is scary. Practically each one of us will know either family members or close friends who have decided that life outside India is a worthy pursuit.

  • Sheryl, India

    Thu, Jan 22 2015

    God cautions us to worship only Him. If anything else takes His place,we engage in idol worship. Here greed becomes my idol. True everything on this earth is a blessing to be enjoyed. If we are rooted in Him, we become free of everything, and hence,we enjoy blessings without fear/despair. Please watch youtubebdan mohler. Be blessed

  • L N Rego, Bendur

    Thu, Jan 22 2015

    Wow.... says it all. Article, its content and the thought process of the writes perfectly matches mine.
    I feel petty when rich people bargain with the Street Vendors for Vegetables and Fruits. I feel petty when people think to spend for good food, Clothing or even for that matter to help the needy. Please read and reread this article and change the way you think.

  • sam, world

    Thu, Jan 22 2015

    @Alex - Inflation will always occur in a man made economic system.

    Jesus warns in Matthew 6:19-21 "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."

    Jesus is not stating that one must not eke out his living as that is what has occurred since the fall of man where God said to Adam for his disobedience in Genesis 3:17-19 "Cursed is the ground because of you through painful toil you will eat food from it all the days of your life ... By the sweat of your brow you will eat your food until you return to the ground, since from it you were taken for dust you are and to dust you will return"

    Rather Jesus is emphasizing where our hearts, minds and soul should be placed i.e. towards God (Matthew 22:37). Keep in mind that humans are created in the image of God, not in the image of mammon (Genesis 1:26-28). We are here to love, serve and worship God and to share his love with others (Christians and non-Christians) and bring them to Christ.

  • Ambrose DMello, Pangala/ Mumbai

    Thu, Jan 22 2015

    Thanks for the thought provoking article dear Donnie. Seeing you after more than 30 years( you balding and me turned half grey!), I recall our early days at our native Katapadi-Udupi how happy,friendly and carefree we used to be - even with lesser money in our pockets!.
    Yes, better life and secure future is all important, yet one has to take a call- enough for now, and need to enjoy the fruits of all that one has sacrificed for.

  • anil dsousa, mangalore

    Thu, Jan 22 2015

    There is nothing wrong in being greedy. be greedy and live a good life. accumulate wealth and enjoy life and what wrong do we see in it. just because our future is not predictable does not mean we should not accumulate wealth and be greedy. what about people accumulating wealth and also providing employment to others from their wealth? what has religion got to do with greed?

  • Eulalia Dsouza, Bijai / Mangalore

    Wed, Jan 21 2015

    Dear Donald, it is an amazing article indeed where you have put your thoughts and in depth reality of life. Flip side of this is what many people have expressed for " a better life quality ". But you rightly say that while we live today we think of tomorrow and life ahead, without a guarantee of a tomorrow. We fail to understand how to prioritize our needs in life. Is money more important than family life? Is family life comfortable without enough money? These are two edges of a knife which each individual has to decide I guess.
    But it is an eye opener to all of us to live our lives, enjoy small things in life while we can. Do not accumulate wealth for children because they should work for their own living.!
    Thank you for this wonderful article. Keep writing..!!

  • jyothi, Mangalore/Bangalore

    Wed, Jan 21 2015

    Thought provoking article Mr.Lewis ! Thanks for sharing your thoughts on this subject. Fear is what drives people take wrong decisions in life. It is the work of the devil. When a person is not focused on God the Provider then fear shows it colours and torments people eventually not letting them make a sound decision concerning life's matters. We need to believe that God who has made us is more than able to meet all our needs and has good plans for us. Trusting in God would be wiser than trusting money will meet our needs. His plans are for each of us & are new everyday and with Him on our side till He calls us to His heavenly home every need of ours will be met.

  • Felix, Udupi / Muscat

    Wed, Jan 21 2015

    It is nice to read such an articles but the reality is different. Do not take life seriously. If you want to quit the Gulf job, make sure that you have some side income apart from your savings i.e. Rental or Agricultural etc and a local job can’t be ignored. Money will vanish like anything and your family happiness will not feed you! Let one suffer for the sake of others at least for some time…

  • Rudolf Rodrigues, Mumbai

    Wed, Jan 21 2015

    It is all strictly about 'BALANCE', swaying away too much on either sides could be catastrophic!!

    "Fortunate, indeed, is the man who takes exactly the right measure of himself and holds a just balance between what he can acquire and what he can use."
    ~Peter Latham~

  • Lucy Rodrigues, Moodubelle/Mumbai

    Wed, Jan 21 2015

    Thank you so much for the great article. All the best.

  • Walter Lasrado, Nakre/Malad (W), Mumbai-400 095

    Wed, Jan 21 2015

    A well written thought provoking article. "We need to give back to our society from which we have received so many things", if this well meaning message is taken seriously by every one our society, our great country will become truly Mahan.

  • ad, mangaluru

    Tue, Jan 20 2015

    Wealth and Debt is against the Gods principle of life.
    Accumulating wealth and debt is lifelong suffering. Devote time spent on accumulating wealth to praise and listen to GOD.

    You will be rewarded.

  • william, Mangalore

    Tue, Jan 20 2015

    Good article to read. But the real facts are that people around you in Mangalore will not let you live in peace. I took up early retirement at 55 to enjoy what I have and my life with the family. Its 18 months since I am back, but still people say you are too young to sit at home, why don't you start some business. How much social service you can do here and many more things they say, that makes one wonder if it was a mistake to come back to your family. People in India will talk bad if you come back early or in a coffin. That's life once you go to Gulf

  • SANTOSH B V , Mangalore

    Tue, Jan 20 2015

    Good article ... I presume the writer has returned to India. It is a tough call to quit a well paying / tax free job in the Gulf, but if one has a house, and reasonable savings, it is prudent to return when one is well in control of his mental and physical state. When I say savings - it means money enough for the husband and wife to live well, making provision for inflation as well as medical bills. I know of cases wherein people amass wealth for their future generations and never enjoy a penny themselves, and the amassed walth is squandered by their children / grandchildren, in many cases the next generation is imported to the Gulf and they in turn continue from where their parents left.

    I can write a thesis on this subject as I quit when the going was good and two years since returning I have no regrets whatsoever. If one has reasonable savings - India is paradise - the glamour of the West / Europe is just fantasy and many who migrated there "for the sake of the kids" have regretted their decision as the children take no pride in being called Indians.

  • Vincent Rodrigues, Frazer Town,B'lore 560005

    Tue, Jan 20 2015

    Really excellent article every greedy person has to read.Too much is too bad is the essence of this article.Thanq so much.

  • Prakash, Mangalore

    Tue, Jan 20 2015

    Definitely food for thought. What's undeniable is that each individuals circumstance is different whether it be past, present or future.
    'Different Strokes for Different Folks' is the only generalization possible.

  • Alex, Mangalore

    Mon, Jan 19 2015

    Ofcourse it is nice article. I would say Book of Sirach or Ecclesiastes is for everyone.
    I would tell another real story of it had been for Indians, who worked in gulf.
    Exactly in 1968 a man came back to India after toiling 20 years bringing with him almost around 1 Lakh Rupees. Mind you the rice was costing 4 annas for one seer(0.9 Kg).
    Skyrocketing inflation and devaluation of Rupee saw his savings evaporated within no time.
    It was matter of just 15 more years. Everything vanished.
    His son was forced to sell "Pan" everyday on his bicycle.
    How would you rate this for India where Rupee has no bottom.

  • regina, belthangady/mumbai

    Mon, Jan 19 2015

    So true Donald.
    My husband was in Muscat for 7 years before our marriage. When I gave birth to my elder daughter, he quit his job in Muscat and took up a job in Mumbai since he did not want to miss out on the glory of seeing our daughter growing up:)
    I've know of people who work till their 60's, accumulate wealth to build palatial houses. Now, he and his wife both sit in their porch with a maid to take care of them. Their children have gone to the Gulf to accumulate wealth to build palatial houses and this cycle continues.

  • P.A.Sequeira, Mumbai

    Mon, Jan 19 2015

    This is an eye opening messg for the people in GULF.

    LIVE LIFE AND NOT BE GREEDY.

  • SK, Mangalore

    Mon, Jan 19 2015

    Nice article Donald..Thank you ...A Eye opener for many...."The greatest legacy one can pass on to one's children and grandchildren is not money or other material things accumulated in one's life, but rather a legacy of character and faith".

  • Alexander P Menezes, Karkala/Dubai

    Mon, Jan 19 2015

    Honestly speaking we all are here in the Gulf to accumulate wealth. Most of us come here with an intention of getting a better standard of living for self as well to his/her family members back home. Even after getting a better standard of living, his/her wants list grows up and he/she toils her life here in Gulf until he/she reaches retirement age. After 60 years obtaining Residence Visas in these gulf states becomes a challenge to the employers.So most of the Gulfies wait until such situation arises & perhaps think of going back to their home countries at this stage. By then, their children’s education would have completed, and some of the children would get married & also settled in either Gulf or Far Western Countries. The Gulfie at this stage becomes all alone in his hometown, sometimes with his better half or sometimes all alone. Life after this is terrible for him/her to live. Even though there is enough wealth with them, but not the health, it becomes very difficult to enjoy life. I cannot say for sure that when is the right time to get back to your home country. It could be 5 yrs, 10 yrs or may be 50 yrs. One should accumulate wealth & in the same time he should share his wealth with the needy & poor. I am sure by doing this, you can be clear of your conscious of helping the needy & feel relaxed & attain a mental peace. These kind of acts like helping,sharing & giving back to the society is must in those who have accumulated the wealth & who are well off financially.

  • Bens , Mangalore

    Mon, Jan 19 2015

    one got to calculate cost of living a reasonable life back in Mangalore. Consult all those who are salaried men with kids if they are living peaceful reasonably comfortable life. School fees and medical expenses make a salaried person fear of living. Only govt job/ highly salaried can live a reasonable/comfortable life. Its very easy to speak out but reality is difficult to accept.

  • Vinod, Qatar

    Mon, Jan 19 2015

    Well said Rajesh. One of my cousin was working in Dubai and was settled with her family. She migrated to Canada along with husband and her 2 kids. Now the kids have grown up and they do not want to leave Canada. Now she is repenting she shouldn't have migrated to Canada as her kids do not want to keep contact with Indian relatives/India .Also she is in her late 50's she is paying tax to that government for her old age. This is how life is. Whoever goes to European or western countries cannot come back and settle in India. They will die there itself and kids have no contact back home.

  • Rajesh, Puttur/Dubai

    Mon, Jan 19 2015

    Hi...Very good article.This article really suits people working in Gulf.This Article doesn't suit for people working in US or other European countries.Beacuase whoever goes to USA or Europe will not and cannot return back.People living in USA/Europe will have more prestige in their hometowns.But unfortunately nor parents nor their kids will return back from that posh life.So whatever their parents saved in India will go waste.So better enjoy the life with the savings instead of accumulating everything for kids.

  • Wilfred Rego, Siddakatte / Oman

    Sun, Jan 18 2015

    The article is good . You can't generalise the toiling and accumulation of wealth. That man toiled in Africa and given education to his children.You should balance the life with accumulation of money and family life. But everyone is not fortunate enough to plan their gulf job due to uncertenities in job and some of them coming to gulf late in their middle ages so to get something you have to sacrifice your life.Now days you can't predict anything so my opinion is that to balance your life .If you have accumulated more wealth you better donate to charity it is simple as Jesus said.

  • Rudolf, Mumbai

    Sun, Jan 18 2015

    Great article!! Hoarding money and material possessions is actually an obsession and gives kicks (like any other intoxicant) to the hoarder as he feels he is above the rest, otherwise the richest want to be become more richer!! The fact that irrespective of the amount of material possesions, wealth, etc. one person can be at one place only at a time, and the life span is approximately the same for all does not sink into their 'euphoric minds' or else the situation would have been different!!

    As the World Economic Forum begins in Davos, Switzerland, OxfamInternational has released a new report called, “Working for the Few,” that contains some startling statistics on what it calls the “growing tide of inequality.”
    The report states:
    • Almost half of the world’s wealth is now owned by just one percent of the population.
    • The wealth of the one percent richest people in the world amounts to $110 trillion. That’s 65 times the total wealth of the bottom half of the world’s population.
    • The bottom half of the world’s population owns the same as the richest 85 people in the world.
    • Seven out of ten people live in countries where economic inequality has increased in the last 30 years.
    • The richest one percent increased their share of income in 24 out of 26 countries for which we have data between 1980 and 2012.
    • In the US, the wealthiest one percent captured 95 percent of post-financial crisis growth since 2009, while the bottom 90 percent became poorer.

  • Ashok Pinto, Surathkal

    Sun, Jan 18 2015

    Hello Donald nice article, we were together in Saudi, mail me

  • Rita, Germany

    Sun, Jan 18 2015

    Mr.Lewis,this article has many sides.As you say People are accumulate wealth.well those who have may be.Others a not good earning man has to think of his Family and his own when he goes back suppose he gets sick,or wife doesnt accept him without .Yes it has done in my own Family.wife was at home with children,he was sick,(still)when I asked her if he would come home since he is pretty Long,spent on her sickness,with his less earning,she replied what we will eat?let him earn some years.Iwas baff,didnt argue as it is useless .Now he is sick no accumultion.I really wonder people working in Gulf in this extreem weather ,without spouse many a times.No social security suppose something happens.when go back,some enjoy ,some dont have the health which got lost either by drinking,heat ,loneliness or spouses seek some other man.A article which we can discuss Long time.

  • Helen B.Nazareth, Mangalore/Mumbai

    Sun, Jan 18 2015

    Nice Article. Every one must read.
    Keep writing.

  • Vance Neudorf, Canada

    Sun, Jan 18 2015

    Thank you for your post. You have captured Kohelet's thoughts well. 30 years ago I started studying Ecclesiastes and now I have finished a new translation of the book. I memorized that text and perform it while cooking Mirza Ghesemi over a brazier. I have a great time and love the process but find so many who do not understand how God intend work to work.
    Just getting on a plane to Dubai and have seen firsthand what the drive for wealth can do to a person.

  • A.S.Mathew, U.S.A.

    Sun, Jan 18 2015

    Great eye opening article. We are going to see more wealthy people pondering the substance of this article very soon.

    JESUS gave the warning of the danger of serving GOD and mammon at the same time (Mathew 6:24). In the Aramaic language which JESUS spoke, mammon means money.

    Money is an excellent servant but a terrible master. For the vast majority of the people, money became their Lord and worship that idol and now so many lost their wealth and crying about the bygone days of restless life and chronicles of wasted years.

  • Richard Almeida, Kodavoor/Thottam, Airoli, Navi Mumbai

    Sat, Jan 17 2015

    Hi Dony, well said. It was really meaningful. This is the very reason we are back in India from Saudi Arabia five years ago and happily enjoying Indian lifestyle and guiding our kids to acquire true values of social and religious life and nurture them to experience our motherland's living conditions so that when they grow up they may live in better living standards.

    Richard & Sandra

  • jimmy noronha, Bellore/Lucknow

    Sat, Jan 17 2015

    The article gives very good advice. There was a time when people in the Gulf used to work as married bachelors and were able to visit home town by sea only once in three years! I have seen them coming home with lots of money but unfortunately in my village two of them died almost paupers not so long after they returned at the far end of life. The one who stuck on till he turned old, did not last long to enjoy his money. The best way out is to return home is after a certain amount of saving(It is immaterial how much) but must keep working here no matter what the nature of work is. Keeping oneself busy will keep one fit physically and mentally till late in life as it enables one to refrain from cultivating bad habits. Money can be either invested in real estate or in savings to counter inflation. As for me I returned from the Gulf with about 4 lacs and something, in 1987, immediately built a house, we both worked, she in school and I in Govt. (I was 45 then) Invested a bit in real estate on a small scale that I could afford and now after 28 years, looking back, I am sitting pretty on a fortune to cover what little distance left this side of the grave, with some smile. Besides, I also managed to teach my sons how to get educated themselves in foreign universities too. I have to write this way only to placate those if any who are in trouble on returning from the Gulf. Last of all, I still keep on working and the money comes very handy, to serve me, to serve others. Thanks Geoffrey for unearthing my name.

  • Victor Moras, Siddakatte/Salalah

    Sat, Jan 17 2015

    Unfortunately, those who have come back earlier than they should have been through resignations or ill advised for self business have regretted their decisions. the world has become a global village not only for business activities but also for professional life. At the same time, one of the options is for man and woman to stay together in the desert(Gulf) and make the best use of the comfortable life and environment here. For those who are not able to bring their partners permanently, need to consult and choose the best options ahead for them. It is true growing children need both the parents but two parents and no finance to provide the basic necessities doesn't make sense too. Therefore, aspiring candidates for marriage must make sure they are able to stay together. It is either together or no marriage. Chances back in our hometowns are galore provided we are ready to put in hard work initially.

  • Lancy M Pinto, Mangalore/Doha

    Sat, Jan 17 2015

    This is an excellent question of paramount importance which everyone needs to find answer sensibly as I did three years ago at age 50 and working hard & well for 30 years. We need to glorify the Spirituality rather than the physical and material gains as there is no end to wants and wealth to any extent will satisfy desires even if we have a mountain of Gold it will be like a mountain of dirt. The end result only by weight of Soul will glorify or condemn on my day of Judgement. It is God who so lovingly provides and we are only the custodians to act wisely & righteously He is the Alpha and Omega! Holy Bible Luke Chapter 12 speaks to us about Parable of the Rich Fool:
    16
    Then he told them a parable. “There was a rich man whose land produced a bountiful harvest.
    17
    He asked himself, ‘What shall I do, for I do not have space to store my harvest?’
    18
    And he said, ‘This is what I shall do: I shall tear down my barns and build larger ones. There I shall store all my grain and other goods
    19
    and I shall say to myself, “Now as for you, you have so many good things stored up for many years, rest, eat, drink, be merry!”’
    20
    But God said to him, ‘You fool, this night your life will be demanded of you and the things you have prepared, to whom will they belong?’
    21
    Thus will it be for the one who stores up treasure for himself but is not rich in what matters to God.”

  • Glany Fernandes, Manglaore / Dubai

    Sat, Jan 17 2015

    Great piece of message, as soon as need becomes greed, people fall fray to this situation. Mr. Donald I am taking this message as seriously and work for that. Thanks of poking the sleeping mind.

  • geoffrey, hat hill

    Sat, Jan 17 2015

    If I’m not mistaken, I’ve come across an article or two along similar lines by Sri Jimmy Noronha in this blog. No doubt, such articles do provide a great deal of impetus toward planning of NRI’s evening of life. Realistic examples also do add flavor/credibility to these write-ups. But any input/advice/criticism can’t be generalized. Priorities/commitments are unique and they are dynamic in nature and to add to that the ever weakening of INR, even though make the high financial targets numerically achievable, when the weak purchase power of INR dawns on the retired/returned NRI, panic sets in. Financial advisors advise on investing in mutual funds, equities etc to beat the inflation. But any equity related investment is a kind of gamble and the only person who doesn’t fail to lay his hands on his pound of flesh is the advisor himself, regardless of market performance. We also have seen some street smarties have made it really big in the real estate sector , but not without parting with a good percentage of the wealth towards ‘hafta’, in some cases at least. Finding a suitable job back home and staying with it isn’t that easy for many valid reasons. We have seen many such cases playing their second or third innings in desert who earlier had decided to come home for good. Deterioration of health is a common issue with Gulf returnees, but that doesn’t mean that early returnees are guaranteed to live rest of their lives hale and hearty. We can only plan and hope for the best and expect the worst! For, the best laid plans do go haywire many a time.

  • Charles D'Mello, Pangala

    Sat, Jan 17 2015

    Good one Dony. Keep writing......

  • Bryan, Bahrain

    Sat, Jan 17 2015

    It is true greed has had a very bad press. I frankly don’t see anything wrong with greed. People’s Lust is the way of life...

  • John DSouza, Mangaluru

    Sat, Jan 17 2015

    Thank you Eng. Donald Lewis for your priceless and timely message.
    Human weakness fails to prioritize, divide and allocate the uncertain and limited life time between body and soul as both have to be fed to keep them alive. Thank God for giving the enlightenment and the opportunity to be able to share the same with all.

    27"And he said, 'Then I beg you, father, that you send him to my father's house 28 for I have five brothers in order that he may warn them, so that they will not also come to this place of torment.' 29"But Abraham said, 'They have Moses and the Prophets let them hear them.'…Luke 16:28


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Title: Accumulation of Wealth: The Downside



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