“It is not money that sustains society, but people who sustain the value of money!” 

Our society forces those without money to live in constant anxiety. It makes those who work diligently to earn a living feel anxious, and it leaves those who are steadily saving and investing their money feeling just as uneasy.

“I don’t know much about stocks, but should I start now?” “Why do I feel like I’m the only one falling behind when everyone else seems to be making money?” “How much retirement savings do I need to feel secure?” “If I take on multiple jobs like my colleagues, will my financial anxiety go away?”

Drawing from the lessons and insights gained during his 16-year career at Goldman Sachs, the author addresses these concerns by answering the many questions modern people have about money, one by one. He warns that focusing solely on techniques to grow money—such as investing or saving—can actually exacerbate this anxiety.

The author guides us to the root of our anxiety, revealing that the financial fear we feel is, in reality, not the most important thing.

There are only two sources of profit in any investment, including stocks: compensation for being of service to someone, or money targeted at other investors. This serves as a simple key to determining whether your own stock investments are true investments or mere gambling. 

In a society where the premise that hard work leads to reward has collapsed, it may seem natural to be drawn to speculative, gambling-like investments. However, the author reminds us that if you are targeting someone else’s wallet, it means your own wallet is also being targeted by others.