Dear Editor,
A few days ago, my wife and I had this conversation about what we would do if we got one million dollars (U.S.). She said that she would pay off the mortgage, set aside some money for our children’s inheritance and open an orphanage and fulfill her childhood dream. At the time, I said that I would finish building the orphanage that I’m currently building in Guyana, and buy a Range Rover to fulfill one of my dreams.
But, as I was sitting in a doctor’s parking lot, I saw an elderly gentleman drive up in a brand new and elegant BMW convertible car with the top down on this cool and sunny day, which was perfect for convertibles. I watched him as he slowly stepped out of the car and slowly walked to his eye doctor appointment. He looked like he was in his seventies. He was overweight; he looked like he had some medical problems. He may only live for another 10 or 20 years the most. Then, I asked myself this question: is that the kind of car that I would want to buy if I had only 10 to 20 years to live?
Then another question: would I get more joy and happiness driving a $100 000 U.S car or helping 100 poverty stricken, sick children? The answer was easy: helping the children would bring me more joy and happiness. And then it occurred to me, if I get a million dollars (U.S.), I don’t need to buy a Range Rover because it wouldn’t make me happier than helping disadvantaged children. It wouldn’t even make me happier if I left an inheritance for my children.
Giving it away to children who are much less fortunate than mine would definitely make me happier. My children are very fortunate because they have a lot. I believe in helping the less fortunate first and then my children. Please don’t get me wrong I am not saying that you have to do it my way because my way is right and your way is wrong.
What I’m saying is that if I get the money this is what I would do with it. You can spend your million dollars however you want, and I wouldn’t judge or condemn you. As you can see, my wife and I would go about spending our million dollars very differently.
If buying a BMW convertible or Range Rover or anything else brings you joy and happiness then do it. I don’t want you to get me wrong; I am not saying that a BMW or Range Rover wouldn’t make me happy. What I’m saying is that helping suffering children would make me happier.
Yours faithfully,
Anthony Pantlitz
