Earn Money or Enjoy Life?
Is it better to spend your time earning money, or enjoying life?
That’s the question posed in the children’s book “Henry Hikes to Fitchburg” by D. B. Johnson, inspired by a passage from Henry David Thoreau.
In the book, Henry and his friend (two bears) decide to meet in Fitchburg that evening, 30 miles away. Henry’s friend says the train is the most efficient way to get there, and decides to work all day to earn 90 cents for the ticket.
But Henry decides to walk so he can enjoy the journey. He’s used to walking 30 miles.
Here’s how each bear spent the day:
Henry’s friend swept the post office to earn 5 cents. Henry walked five miles and carved a walking stick.
Henry’s friend weeded a garden for 15 cents. Henry walked and collected ferns and flowers.
Henry’s friend cleaned and organized Mr. Emerson’s study for 15 cents. Henry climbed a tree to enjoy the view then continued walking.
At the end of his day of work, Henry’s friend had the 90 cents and rushed to the train station, squeezing into the packed car just as it left. He arrived in Fitchburg first and sat on the bench waiting for Henry.
Henry arrived, and his friend said, “The train was faster!”
Henry said, “I know. I stopped to pick blackberries!”
———
Maybe that’s a false dichotomy: earning money OR enjoying life. Can we do both?
Or, maybe we earn money at one point in life and spend more time enjoying life later.
Or, maybe instead of enjoyment, we spend time helping others (which can be enjoyable too).
Or, maybe we find ways to enjoy our work more.
It’s a helpful story, reminding us of the need to find that difficult balance in life.
(Henry’s story was retold last week at brainpickings.org.)