Can Wealth and Fulfillment Co-Exist?
I recently delved into an intriguing article discussing the profound impact of amassing substantial wealth, whether through earnings, inheritance, or chance. The piece touched upon examples like Jeopardy winners and lottery windfalls, and it got me thinking!
The article brought back memories of a visceral reaction I had upon learning about the tragic passing of billionaire Tony Hsieh. I had crossed paths with Tony on a couple of occasions – once at a conference. I also joined him at the Zappos headquarters for an intimate small group chat. I was disappointed by his seeming lack of authentic connection in this small setting.
However, three distinct aspects at Zappos did catch my attention. Firstly, Tony Hsieh's commitment to lifelong learning was evident in his practice of distributing free business and mindset-transforming books to all visitors. This dedication to knowledge dissemination left an indelible mark. Secondly, his unique approach to office aesthetics empowered his employees to personalize their workspaces, fostering engagement and trust through a sense of ownership. Finally, the presence of quiet napping rooms furnished with lounges and hammocks showcased his progressive approach to employee well-being. I was in awe.
A number of books have been written about Tony Hsieh, including the most recent, "Wonder Boy" by Angel Au-Yeung and David Jeans. The book explores his life, Zappos, and his search for happiness in Silicon Valley.
Despite his astronomical wealth, Tony Hsieh’s inner contentment remained elusive. This incongruity leads me to wonder: why did a man of such means and accomplishments find himself unfulfilled? One could speculate that his surroundings consisted primarily of employees, creating a dearth of authentic personal connections and meaningful friendships. Society’s values have increasingly skewed toward the pursuit of wealth, nurturing what some might term the "greed factor." The chase for the latest material possessions often takes precedence, overshadowing the truth that money alone cannot buy happiness. Eventually, even the power to acquire anything becomes mundane.
Another key factor is his cultural perspective. His story finds its roots in his parents' aspirations, both Taiwanese immigrants. A common aspiration among Asian immigrants is the drive for excellence. Duty bound to achieve the level of success proscribed by their parents, they often sacrifice their own happiness.
Another factor to consider is the development of human capability throughout one’s career. Elliott Jaques’ Requisite Organization theory explores the maturation of capability. Capability continues to mature thoughout one’s career, albeit at varying rates. High-capability individuals see a sharp curve of maturation throughout their lives, while others experience a more gradual curve. Recognizing this spectrum of capability is vital for an organization to thrive across all levels.
In my estimation, Tony Hsieh’s life exemplifies very high capability, with achievements like selling a company to Microsoft at age 24 and revolutionizing the shoe industry with Zappos. This level of capability can lead to isolation. As someone with high capability, I've often felt misunderstood and isolated due to the nuances of my thinking. While I don't equate myself to Tony’s “off-the-charts” capability, my journey parallels his. I’ve often felt misunderstood.
Tony Hsieh’s story poses an intriguing question: What if someone had introduced him to the maturation of capability over his lifetime? If he had been able to view his own capability curve, would he have found satisfaction? Happiness? If he had put his wealth to work solving some of the world’s problems, would he have also achieved personal fulfillment? I invite you, dear reader, to join the conversation.