I had more clothes than I had closets, more cars than garage

Hear now, O children of wisdom, a story of paradox and truth. There was once a man who stood at the pinnacle of worldly success, a man whose name resounded in every corner of the earth. His name was Sammy Davis, Jr., and though he had more wealth, more fame, and more admiration than most could ever dream, he spoke of a truth that transcends the confines of riches: "I had more clothes than I had closets, more cars than garage space, but no money." Let us pause here and seek to understand the deeper meaning woven within these words.

At first glance, these words may seem like a lament, a confession of a man lost in the excesses of life. But deeper still, they are a reflection of a truth as old as time itself—that wealth in material things does not equate to true abundance. Sammy Davis, Jr., a man who stood before the world with riches beyond measure, found that in the pursuit of possessions, one can be empty of what truly matters. This is the paradox of life: to possess much, and yet, to have nothing. What is the worth of endless material goods when the essence of wealth—that which nourishes the soul—eludes you?

Look, if you will, to the life of the mighty King Midas. He, too, was a man blessed with riches beyond belief, his touch turning everything to gold. And yet, it is said that Midas was driven to despair, for the very wealth he so desired became his curse. His food turned to gold, his drink turned to gold, and even the touch of his loved ones turned to gold, leaving him alone and hungry in a world of treasures. What Midas sought was abundance, but what he found was emptiness. His wealth was but a shadow, a fleeting illusion that could not fill the void within. And so, like Midas, many of us in our pursuit of possessions may find that our hearts are still hungry, our souls still yearning.

Sammy Davis, Jr. lived this truth, for while the world saw his many clothes, his many cars, and the trappings of success, he understood that money—the true currency of life—is not measured in material wealth. True wealth is found in the fullness of one's spirit, in the richness of relationships, and in the depth of purpose. The abundance we seek is not always found in what we acquire, but in how we live, how we connect, and how we honor the values that give our lives meaning. To have much, and yet to lack money, is to see that material things are mere reflections of a deeper emptiness. The riches of the world cannot fill the void within the heart.

Consider, too, the tale of Diogenes the Cynic, a philosopher who lived in a barrel, forsaking all worldly possessions. His wealth was not in gold or fine clothes, but in the freedom of his soul, in his ability to be at peace with the simplest of things. Diogenes, like Sammy Davis, Jr., knew that the truest riches are those that cannot be seen or touched. His life was a profound rejection of the pursuit of material wealth, for he understood that true wealth lies not in abundance, but in contentment. Diogenes had nothing—and yet, he had everything.

O seekers of wisdom, let this be the lesson you carry with you: the pursuit of wealth in possessions alone is hollow, and the accumulation of goods does not guarantee happiness. The money that Sammy Davis, Jr. speaks of is not the paper of kings, nor the gold of emperors. It is the wealth of the heart, the joy that comes from within, the peace that arises when we realize that we are enough without the need to adorn ourselves in things. True wealth is found in the simplicity of the soul, in the quiet moments of love, in the courage to live authentically, and in the wisdom to know that material things are fleeting, but inner peace endures.

Thus, let this teaching guide you, O children of wisdom: seek not the riches of the world, for they are but dust in the wind. Seek instead the treasures that lie within: wisdom, love, and contentment. These are the true gifts that cannot be taken away, the wealth that no thief can steal. Live simply, live fully, and remember that the richest among us are those who possess the greatest abundance of spirit, not the greatest quantity of things.