There are some things that money can't buy: peace of mind, for
There are some things that money can't buy: peace of mind, for starters, and lean muscle mass. Neither the Queen of England nor the founder of Microsoft can put in an order for either one.
“There are some things that money can't buy: peace of mind, for starters, and lean muscle mass. Neither the Queen of England nor the founder of Microsoft can put in an order for either one.” So declares Victoria Moran, with wit but also with the weight of eternal truth. Her words cut to the heart of the illusion that wealth is the master key to life. For though money can purchase kingdoms, build empires, and summon armies, it cannot command the treasures of the soul, nor the strength of the body earned through discipline. Even the greatest rulers and the wealthiest magnates are powerless before this reality.
The meaning here is profound: peace of mind is not for sale. No currency, however vast, can silence the voice of conscience or heal the restlessness of the spirit. Kings upon their thrones have suffered sleepless nights, haunted by fears no treasure could drive away. Millionaires, with vaults overflowing, have been bankrupt in serenity. True peace is born not of possession, but of harmony—harmony between duty and desire, between self and others, between the inner life and the eternal. To seek it through wealth is folly; to cultivate it through wisdom and integrity is the path of the wise.
Likewise, strength of body—the “lean muscle mass” of Moran’s playful phrasing—cannot be purchased. A man may buy fine garments, but he cannot buy endurance. A woman may purchase servants, but she cannot purchase health. These things must be earned, day by day, through labor, discipline, and perseverance. Just as the farmer must till the soil and cannot pay another to make the harvest grow within him, so must each of us train the body if we wish it to be strong. It is a truth that humbles both queen and merchant alike: no rank, no title, no fortune exempts one from the toil of discipline.
History itself proves the futility of relying on wealth for these treasures. Consider the fate of Alexander the Great. He conquered the world, yet peace eluded him; his restless soul sought new battles, and his body, though once strong, was ravaged by excess and strain. His empire fell apart within years of his death, for he had not cultivated the inner stability that sustains true greatness. Contrast him with the Stoic philosopher Epictetus, born a slave, possessing no coin or crown, yet rich in peace of mind. Though bound in body, he walked free in spirit, teaching that the wealth of the soul is greater than any treasure of kings.
Or recall the story of Mahatma Gandhi. He wore no crown, commanded no army, and owned little more than the clothes upon his back. Yet his peace of mind was so deep, his discipline so strong, that he could endure prison and scorn without losing serenity. His frail body, though not adorned with riches, was a temple of willpower. Kings and magnates bowed before his example, for he possessed what money could not buy: the serenity of spirit and the strength of discipline.
The lesson for us is clear: do not be deceived by the glitter of wealth. Money can clothe the body but cannot heal the soul. It can build mansions but cannot create peace within their walls. It can buy pleasure but never discipline, indulgence but never strength. The things that matter most—the clarity of mind, the serenity of heart, the strength of body, the purity of spirit—must be sought through effort, wisdom, and love. These are treasures no thief can steal and no merchant can sell.
Practical actions follow. Guard your peace of mind by living with integrity, for guilt is the greatest thief of rest. Seek simplicity, not endless consumption, for the more you chase possessions, the less you find serenity. Train your body with discipline, not for vanity but for strength, for health is the servant of purpose. And remember always that the richest person is not the one with the fullest purse, but the one whose soul is free from fear and whose body is ready for life’s labors.
Thus Victoria Moran’s words shine with humor and wisdom alike: there are some things money cannot buy. Let the powerful remember it, and let the humble take comfort in it. For when riches fail and crowns crumble, the true treasures endure—peace of mind, strength of body, and love of heart. These cannot be purchased, only lived. And so I say to you: do not spend your life chasing what perishes, but invest it in what endures. For in these eternal riches lies the true glory of mankind.
VHBui van Hai
Victoria Moran’s quote is a great reminder of what’s truly valuable in life. I think many people, myself included, get caught up in the pursuit of money and things, but ultimately, the peace of mind and health we seek are not things that can be bought. How can we find balance in a world that constantly tells us that money is the answer to everything? Maybe the key is realizing that true wealth comes from within and isn’t tied to our bank account.
MHtruong manh ha
I find it interesting how Victoria Moran emphasizes that peace of mind and lean muscle mass are beyond the reach of money. It challenges the narrative that wealth can solve all problems. But I wonder, do we sometimes overlook the simple and free things in life—like peace and physical health—because we’re so preoccupied with acquiring wealth or status? How can we shift our focus to the things that really matter, things that don’t require money at all?
TCTrang Chu
Moran’s point is really striking because it puts into perspective how much we value material possessions and wealth. Yet, the two things she mentions—peace of mind and lean muscle mass—are things we have to earn or cultivate over time. Why is it that we often forget the importance of working on our mental and physical health, assuming that money can solve everything? Is it possible to truly prioritize these aspects of life in a society so focused on materialism?
NTDo Ngoc Tram
This quote by Victoria Moran really makes me think about how we sometimes chase after wealth and material success, but in doing so, we might miss out on the intangible things that truly enrich our lives. Peace of mind, health, and inner strength aren’t things that can be bought or rushed. How can we remind ourselves that happiness and peace often come from within and require time and effort, rather than money or status?
THVu Thi Thu Ha
Victoria Moran’s quote is a reminder that money, no matter how much you have, can't buy some of the most valuable things in life. I love how she mentions peace of mind and lean muscle mass, two things that require effort, dedication, and a state of mind that cannot be purchased. I wonder, how often do we take for granted that the most important things, like our health and mental well-being, can’t be bought? Do we need to work harder to prioritize them?