I do want to live life king size, yes. But I also want to spend a

“I do want to live life king size, yes. But I also want to spend a lot on my children and give them happiness and security.” – Suniel Shetty

In these words, Suniel Shetty speaks not as a celebrity, but as a man who has wrestled with the two great desires of the human heart — the yearning for abundance and the duty of love. To live life king size is not merely to feast, to possess, or to revel in grandeur; it is to live with fullness, courage, and dignity. Yet, Shetty’s wisdom lies in the balance he seeks — for he remembers that true kingship is not found in self-indulgence, but in generosity. A king is not one who hoards his treasures, but one who uses them to nourish his people. And who are our people, if not our children, the heirs of our spirit and the continuation of our dreams?

From the time of the ancients, the greatest rulers and sages have known that legacy is the truest measure of greatness. To live richly but forget one’s lineage is to build palaces of sand. The man who spends his strength, his wealth, and his heart for the happiness and security of his children does not merely provide — he plants the seeds of a kingdom that will outlast him. For what is the worth of gold if it does not bring peace to the household? What is the worth of success if it casts shadows over the laughter of one’s own blood?

Consider the story of King Ashoka, ruler of the Mauryan Empire. In his youth, he conquered with the sword and sought to live life "king size" through power and conquest. But when he saw the suffering his ambitions had brought, his heart turned toward compassion. He used his wealth and authority to build schools, hospitals, and temples, dedicating his life to the welfare of his people — his larger family. Like Shetty, he learned that greatness is not measured by possession, but by protection — not by how much one gathers, but by how much one gives to ensure that others may live in joy and safety.

The desire to live life king size is not wrong. Life itself is a precious gift meant to be savored with gratitude and strength. To live small, fearful, and deprived of joy is an insult to the Creator who endowed us with potential for greatness. But true grandeur is not found in excess; it is found in balance — in knowing when to feast and when to feed others, when to chase glory and when to nurture peace. The wise live richly not because they love possessions, but because they honor life, family, and purpose.

In every generation, there comes a time when the parent must choose between selfish pleasure and sacred responsibility. To give one’s children happiness and security is more than to clothe or feed them — it is to give them confidence in the goodness of life, and a safe harbor from the storms of the world. The ancient philosopher Confucius said, “The strength of a nation lies in the integrity of the home.” And indeed, when the home is guarded by love and provision, the world beyond grows gentler and more just.

Let us not mistake luxury for greatness. The man who drives golden chariots but leaves his children hungry in spirit is poorer than the laborer who sings with his family after a day’s work. To live king size is to live in abundance of heart, in the fullness of care, in the richness of giving. The throne of a parent is not made of jewels but of sacrifices lovingly borne — of time spent, lessons taught, and affection freely given.

So, my children, remember this lesson: live fully, but never at the cost of those you love. Enjoy the fruits of your labor, yet let your greatest investment be in the laughter, learning, and safety of your family. Be both a king in your courage and a guardian in your compassion. For in the end, the only crown that endures is the joy reflected in the eyes of those whose lives you’ve made brighter. To live thus is to reign not for a lifetime, but for eternity.