Today a well-known, interesting as well as intriguing historical figure is remembered: Saint Francis of Assisi. He reminds me of another spiritual leader: Siddhartha (later named Buddha, the Awakened One). They both realized - at a certain point of their lives - that a "rich" existence is not the real goal of Life. Both the son of an Italian wealthy merchant (1181-1226) and the Indian prince (5th century BC) gave up all their comforts to embrace selflessness and poverty. So different as to time, place, culture and education as they were, yet they both reached the same conclusion: Life does not consist (only) in the pursuit of material satisfaction. You certainly do not need to do what they did. You do not need to leave your assets and become a beggar. But what you need to become aware of is that, as long as you don't look for, find and understand your spiritual needs, you will never experience true fulfillment.
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