Choosing Not to Speculate: Anchoring My Inner Self Amidst the Wealth Frenzy
Around me, people often chat about "wealth creation myths" in the speculative markets: some earn a fortune with one accurate prediction, while others seize short-term trends to achieve financial leaps. I never deny the truth of these stories, and I readily admit that speculation can indeed bring extraordinary wealth—that rapid, visible gain acts like a bright light, making it tempting to draw near. Yet, I consistently choose to stand outside that light, because in my view, the most captivating aspect of speculation is precisely its most dangerous trap.
The "addiction" of speculation is never apparent at the start. It's more like a sugared drink: the initial taste is purely sweet. Perhaps a small first attempt yields a decent return, or you witness a peer quickly transform their life because of it. These tiny "sweeteners" subtly rewrite one's expectations. Gradually, you begin to crave higher returns, unconsciously increase your investment, lose sleep over market volatility, and might even shift money meant for living or emergencies into a speculative account. I have seen people transition from "a little fun for leisure" to "heavy-betting gambles," from "rational analysis" to a "gambler's mindset." Ultimately, they not only fail to hold onto their gains but also destabilize their previously secure lives. This dependence on "quick profit," once formed, is hard to shake, feeling like one is being pulled by invisible strings, eventually leading to a loss of control over one's life.
What I value more is the "certainty" behind wealth. For me, wealth is not a chip to be gambled, but the foundation that supports life—it is the emergency fund I can unhesitatingly use when my parents are ill, the freedom to choose resources for my children's education, and the security of a stable retirement. These needs never require "unexpected wealth" to be fulfilled; rather, they demand "steady accumulation" for protection. I prefer to dedicate my time and energy to things I can control: diligently performing my job, improving my professional skills, saving bit by bit from a stable income; learning basic financial knowledge, and choosing controllable investment methods, such as regularly investing in index funds or allocating funds to stable financial products. These approaches may not bring the surprise of "getting rich overnight," but every fraction of return is grounded, and every step of accumulation is reassuring.
Of course, I never oppose others who choose speculation. Everyone's needs for wealth and tolerance for risk are different. Some are willing to bear high risks for high returns, and that is a personal choice, with no right or wrong. However, I fundamentally believe that before making this choice, one must clearly consider: Am I pursuing a "momentary thrill" or "long-term stability"? Can I truly withstand the potential losses, and can I control the desire for "quick profits"?
For me, choosing not to speculate is neither timidity nor conservatism; it is a clear-headed decision about how I want to live. I don't need "unexpected wealth" to prove anything, nor do I want to be anxious by chasing uncertain returns. Instead of engaging in heart-stopping "gambles" in the speculative market, I prefer to accumulate wealth one step at a time, trading certain effort for a secure future. After all, the happiness one can securely hold is the most valuable fortune of all.
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