The 87th Richest Person

Think about this: in 2020, someone was the 87th richest person alive.

Name them.

In 2022, someone was the 87th richest person alive. In 1012, someone was the 9th most-followed person on Earth.

Nobody remembers. Not you, not me, and probably not the people who held the spots.

The scoreboard felt permanent. But it was drawn in chalk.

We don’t actually chase money, after basic needs are met or status. We chase the feeling of being seen holding them. That feeling has a half-life of about a week, which is why the number always has to go up.

The number you’re chasing right now is the same chalk.

None of this is an argument for doing less. Ambition is fine. Play hard, build the thing, close the deal.

Just notice that the stakes are ones you invented — and that you’re allowed to un-invent them.

Play the game.

Don’t take yourself so seriously.