by: Art Ladaga

Last Friday, the world was saddened by the death of one of the greatest  influential figures ever-Mr. Nelson Mandela. Mr. Mandela was known to be a staunch defender of human freedom, fighting against apartheid in his home of South Africa. He was subjected to numerous difficulties and punishments including 27 years in jail, because of his beliefs, but he amazingly remained calm and unwavering. The world took notice of his struggle and joined him in the fight against racial inequality. Eventually, he was released in the 90’s and became South Africa’s first president. He brought about various changes and worked hard to make it possible.

Indeed, everyone extolls the extent of Mr. Mandela’s contribution. He brought about enormous change for his country and the world. Throughout the years, he shared his personal realizations with  various peoples. Most of these were related to human freedom, respect, and dignity. And yet if you were to ponder upon them carefully, some may be interpreted in relation to money, which is what we are focused on teaching.

So what can some quotable quotes of Mr. Mandela that teach you about money? What do his realizations have to do with your personal finance? And how can he help you with your journey to wealth?

1.    “It always seems impossible, until it’s done.”

 Many people have a problem with starting anything. They are afraid to move because of the fear of failure or difficulty. This is very evident when it comes to becoming wealthy. While many Filipinos want to be wealthy, they are afraid to do something about it. They do not want to save or invest, afraid to learn more, etc. They want “shortcuts.” As a result, they become victims of financial scams and get-rich-quick schemes.

But how do the rich people (the honest ones at least) reach their current status? Simple: they started somewhere. They know what they want and act upon it. It may not be easy, but it enables them to get closer to their goals.

Action brings results!

2.    “It is what we make out of what we have, not what we are given, that separates one person from another.”

What separates the rich from the poor? The poor only save to spend. The rich, on the other hand, save to grow.

Saving is vital in your journey to wealth. Mr. Francisco Colayco says that savings is the expense that buys your future. And yet, saving alone is not enough. There are people obsessed with saving, but do not know how to grow it. Thus, they are still not wealthy. Only by investing your savings can you progress further in the journey to wealth.

But the other side of the coin is simplicity, which Mr. Mandela practiced completely.  He was truly rich following another important principle which he did not say but practiced.  “The richest man is not he who has the most, but he who needs the least.”

3. “There is no passion to be found in playing small- in settling for a life that is less than what you are capable of.”

Many people still find the idea that wealth is evil. It causes people to obtain more at the expense of others. One can already think of the Napoles pork barrel scandal.The problem with such a perspective is that it’s too constricted. There are lawful and unlawful ways towards wealth.

For people who want to grow their wealth legitimately, one reason is to live a good life!

Being wealthy doesn’t mean owning a lot. Mr. Colayco says that you are wealthy when you can afford your preferred lifestyle even without working. You and your family have enough financial resources to provide for your basic needs and enjoy life to the fullest.

Now, living the good life doesn’t stop there. A good and MEANINGFUL life also requires that you dedicate your life to others. Your wealth is meant to be shared with your community, church, and country. Sharing your wealth will not only give you a good feeling. More importantly, you inspire and empower others to rise above their personal limitations and reach for their fullest, human potential. Many of the rich used their wealth to establish academic, charitable, and medical institutions.

So do you still think being wealthy is evil?

While Nelson Mandela will forever be remembered as a great statesman, his personal realizations extend to various aspects of human life. Indeed, the world has lost a monumental figure of freedom. While his physical presence is no longer with us, his legacy remains alive. It is your duty to keep it alive, even in the simplest acts you do every day.

Art Ladaga is the current Programs Officer of the Colayco Foundation for Education