Dear Yamaka,
You have done well in material aspects of life. But why do you bring in God concept into the picture? Is it your case that you are successful only because you are an atheist? There are many other theists also who have done well in life and yet they believe in the existence of God. You have mentioned about your success in life earlier also. Are you secretly wondering whether you deserve all these successes? You have said "You see, my life experience is very rich and inspirational...". Inspiration is for others to take. May be your children have taken inspiration from your life and may prove to be great successes in their life as they live it. I have this slogan prominently displayed on my study table: "If you are so intelligent why are you not the richest man in this country?" I don't mean any offence. Take it easy. You have many people around who have experiences similar to yours and more, living quietly not wanting anything more.
Cheers.
Dear Raju:
You are very kind and considerate - for I expected choicest words surpassing the Title of this Thread!
"I have this slogan prominently displayed on my study table: "If you are so intelligent why are you not the richest man in this country?" I don't mean any offence."
Unfortunately, I was not going after money per se... I was going after Social, Political and Economic Freedoms...I hope you can understand what excites me the MOST... not money, for sure.
1. I used to write regularly to the White House about the issues of the day in the US... to my surprise I got reply back from President Clinton with his Original Signature twice... when my FIL a Religious Supramacist, a TB came to know of it, he wanted to see the Letters from 1600 Pennsylvania Ave!!!
With astonishment he read the Letters several times, and he murmured under his breadth "This is unbelievable for a kid from the remotest village from Ramnad Taluk!"
That I cherished a lot far more than making a killing in the Stock Market!! You may say "Oh,, what a big deal? Where's the billion$?".
2. A few days ago, my Sweet and Smart wife - a Trichy TB - asked me "Hi Big Mouth, how much did we lose in the last few days of Market Collapse?"
I replied, "Honey, I don't know... probably 5% Year To Date, what a big deal? We will have plenty and more when we retire, sleep well, my dear!"
You see, for me, money per se is just NOTHING... it's the Journey that matters... and the DESTINATION is but secondary.. I cherish all the Freedoms more dearly!
3. When my physician Dr. AH asked me "Y, what's the Magic that you could send both your kids to Elite Universities paying full tuition? Teach me the Magic, please!"
I tell him, "Doc, very simple - please spend about 2 hours with each kid every night (for his homework) for 13 long years, and everything will fall in place. You save money for their education from day one"
Hard work is the Magic in my Life, if any.. Not the everlasting prayers to the non-existent Gods and Iswara!
Peace.