Sword of Damocles

MONEY, FAME, POWER

Anyone with a sane mind would obviously yearn for these three entities (if you will) but it takes someone with a saner mind to reject them. The thing about these 'entities' is that they are bound to us like a leech, especially in the society that we are living in today. In a way, our lives or lifestyles are revolved around achieving these three entities, ensuring that they are our sole purpose in life.

Now, why did I say it take a saner person to reject them? That's where the story of Damocles. Originated from Greek legends, it's commonly referred to as the Sword of Damocles. In short, a commoner who yearns to be wealthy and powerful was offered to be a king by the king himself to let him get a taste of the supposed 'good life'. Little did Damocles know, there was a sword hanging by a horse hair hanging right above his head while he was sitting on the throne. Of course, he eventually realized the risks or dangers that come from such a eminent role in society.

The point of the matter is when you are a good grasp of the three aforementioned entities - yes, you can enjoy them to your heart's content, - you also have to face the consequences that come with it. Like I said, everyone wants a piece of these three entities and some of them would do whatever it takes to get them. This makes you a target for blood thirsty individuals who frankly, couldn't really care less about others other than themselves or their own. Some are willing to do whatever it takes to get these three entities.

Humans are selfish that way and some would say it's simply in our nature to be the way we are. While I don't disagree that these three entities are important (to a certain degree), too much of them would put one in a very tight spot with a sword on top of them. I actually observed that while I was interning. The more famous you are, the more enemies you have.

Thus, it's good to be a commoner sometimes, earning just enough money to live and enjoy oneself once in a while. As the song goes, "All the small things". The daring ones would rather take the risk and go forth to earn these three entities and they are entitled to their own life goals. For me, I'm comfortable being a commoner even though sometimes, I am quite tempted. I guessed I wouldn't mind earning a few more bucks but I really don't mind not living in a mansion.