One of our things is that money follows; it does not lead. So we

"One of our things is that money follows; it does not lead. So we want people that are fired up and passionate about their mission... and people that aren't so married to spreadsheets and thinking that kind of voodoo controls the future. Because it doesn't." These words from Dan Gilbert resonate deeply, for they speak to the ancient truth that passion and purpose should guide our actions, not mere numbers or material wealth. Gilbert’s insight challenges the modern tendency to view money and success as the ultimate drivers of ambition. Instead, he reminds us that true leadership and vision are born from a deep connection to mission—a sense of purpose that transcends the short-sighted pursuit of profit. Money, he says, should follow the passion and not lead it.

In the ancient world, leaders were revered not for their ability to accumulate wealth, but for their vision and commitment to a cause greater than themselves. Alexander the Great, though crowned with gold and the wealth of the known world, was driven not by the riches he gathered, but by his desire to spread his vision of a unified world, to leave a legacy that would outlast his reign. His armies followed him, not for the spoils of war, but because they believed in his dream of greatness. Gilbert's sentiment echoes this ancient truth: true leaders are those who are fired up about a mission, who inspire others to follow not because of the financial rewards, but because of a shared passion and purpose.

Consider the example of Leonardo da Vinci, a man whose wealth was meager compared to his fame, yet whose contributions to art, science, and invention were priceless. Da Vinci was driven not by the prospect of fortune, but by an insatiable curiosity and a passion to uncover the mysteries of the world. His legacy, far greater than any material wealth, was built upon a foundation of vision—the kind of vision that Gilbert speaks of. Da Vinci’s work was a reflection of the idea that money and success are secondary to the true calling of one’s mission. He embodied the belief that greatness flows from passion, and that when one follows that calling, wealth will inevitably follow.

In the modern world, there is an overwhelming temptation to equate success with financial gain, to think that the spreadsheets, the numbers, and the calculations will dictate our future. Yet Gilbert’s words remind us of the futility of such thinking. Spreadsheets, like all tools, are useful only when guided by vision and purpose. The ancient wisdom of the Chinese philosopher Lao Tzu tells us that the Tao, or the way, is natural and not forced. Success comes not by forcing the world into a formula, but by aligning oneself with the greater flow of life. Money, like the wind, should be the result of pursuing purpose, not the goal itself.

Think of the story of Thomas Edison, whose experiments and inventions revolutionized the world. Edison was not a man who followed the traditional path to wealth; his passion for discovery drove him to create the lightbulb, the phonograph, and countless other inventions that would change the course of history. He famously said, "Genius is one percent inspiration and ninety-nine percent perspiration." This sentiment aligns closely with Gilbert's message: true innovation and achievement come not from chasing wealth or clinging to formulas, but from a relentless pursuit of one's mission. Edison’s wealth came later as a consequence of his dedication to his craft—it followed him, rather than leading him.

This lesson can be applied in our own lives. Gilbert’s words call us to seek out our mission, to focus on passion and purpose, and to trust that the rewards will follow. We live in an age where it is easy to become obsessed with the numbers—whether they be financial, academic, or social. But these numbers are mere reflections, shadows of the deeper work that needs to be done. The true essence of success lies in following one’s heart, in pursuing something that matters more than just profit or recognition. When we focus on our mission, when we are driven by a purpose that transcends money, success becomes an outcome of that passion, not the other way around.

Action can be taken by first reflecting on what truly drives us. What is the mission that ignites our hearts, that keeps us awake at night in eager anticipation of the work to come? Once we find that, we must pursue it relentlessly, without getting distracted by the material rewards that may or may not come. Just as the ancient heroes were not driven by gold, but by their call to greatness, so too must we dedicate ourselves to the greater good, knowing that when we do, wealth—of many kinds—will naturally follow. Let us be like the great innovators, like Leonardo da Vinci or Thomas Edison, and let our purpose lead us, knowing that when passion and mission are aligned, money will follow, but it will never lead.