"富は卓越をもたらすのではなく卓越が富とすべての他のものを人々にとってよいものにする"

Excellence isn’t something money can buy. It’s the other way around—excellence can lead to wealth and much more. When you're great at what you do, wealth tends to follow, not the other way around.

So, why was this said? It’s an age-old idea that goes way back to ancient Greek philosophy. Think of it like something either Aristotle or Plato might’ve said while debating the meaning of a good life. They were big on the idea that virtue and personal excellence were the cornerstones of happiness and success. Back then, the idea was to encourage people to focus on becoming better human beings rather than just chasing money.

Alright, let’s get practical. Picture this: you’re in a small town, and there’s a local bakery run by a woman named Maria. Maria’s not just a baker; she’s a magician with dough. People travel miles just to taste her croissants. Why? Because Maria’s obsessed with perfecting her recipes, trying new techniques, and ensuring every pastry is better than the last. She didn’t start this bakery to become rich; she did it because she loves baking and wanted to share that passion with others.

Now, let’s look at Maria’s journey. She started with little but poured her heart into her work. Over time, word spread, and her bakery became a hit. People respected her dedication to excellence, and soon enough, wealth followed. Maria didn’t seek wealth directly; she sought excellence, and wealth was a natural byproduct.

So how can you apply this wisdom? Focus on being the best at what you do. Whether it’s your job, a hobby, or even relationships—commit to excellence. If you’re passionate about something, invest time and energy into honing that craft. Don’t worry about the money at first; that’ll come later. If you’re genuine and dedicated, people will notice, and opportunities will start knocking.

Think about a scenario for a moment. Imagine you’re a young athlete. You love soccer, right? Your goal shouldn’t be to become rich and famous. Instead, concentrate on improving your skills, understanding the game, and being the best teammate you can be. Attend every practice, learn from your mistakes, and support your team. Eventually, your excellence on the field will catch the eye of scouts, and opportunities will come your way.

Or let’s say you’re an artist. Don’t aim to sell your paintings for millions right off the bat. Focus on perfecting your technique, experimenting with styles, and expressing genuine emotion in your work. Hold exhibitions, get feedback, and keep pushing the boundaries of your creativity. Over time, collectors will recognize your excellence, and the financial rewards will follow.

In a nutshell, excellence is your true ticket to success. Wealth and other good things are like the cherry on top. So, strive for greatness in whatever you do, and trust that the rest will come. After all, when you’re excellent, you’re not just good at what you do—you’re unstoppable. And that’s worth more than any amount of money.