About this quote

We trade our time and energy for money or status. But what happens when those things fail to make us happy? The only asset that actually holds its value through a crisis is your ability to see things clearly and make good decisions. When you trade your experiences for deep understanding, you build a foundation that nobody can steal from you. Ask yourself what you are actually working for this week.

When to use it

• I chose the lower-paying research job over the corporate gig. The money would be nice right now, but the hard problems I will learn to solve are worth way more in the long run.
• My brother wanted us to invest our savings in a high-risk crypto scheme, but I told him we should pay for that accounting course instead. Solid financial knowledge is the only investment that cannot go bust.
• Instead of buying expensive running shoes to fix my form, I spent that money on a coach who taught me how to move. Gear wears out, but the physical skill stays with me forever.
• I stopped trying to win arguments with my teenager just to feel right. It is better to quiet my ego and learn how to actually talk to him.