Musashi's Dokkodo (The Way of Walking Alone)

Insurance Executive:
I’ll certainly try but I’m not certain I can refrain from possessing fiefs.
I think what Musashi is referring to here is our old age—however we
want to define that today—should be a time of reflection, fixing past
errors, and living out life content with what one has. But too many
people continue working for great riches—some clawing for it—late
into their advanced years. So many of us are brainwashed by
television, internet, shopping malls, and advertising in every other
form to keep spending and keep acquiring because it will most
certainly bring us happiness. It does, but the emotion is short-lived.
Once it passes, the seeker of happiness through material
possession once again sets off to acquire more in order to
experience a repeat of the short-lived moment of bliss.

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I mention elsewhere that I’m a shopper. Alcoholics shouldn’t live
above a bar and shoppers shouldn’t work next to a shopping mall,
which I do. Is it tempting? Ooooh yes. Do I fight against the
temptation? I like to think most of the time I do and most of the time I
win. Of course, there are those times when I don’t… But at least I’m
trying and at least I understand the lure and psychology coming from
the ad agencies.
It helps a little to be mindful of acquiring only those things my
husband and I need to function in our daily lives. Anything that goes
beyond the needs of sustenance, shelter, clothing, entertainment,
and education is usually, when left to ponder before purchasing, not
needed. My husband and I have not taken a vow of poverty and we
have no plans to work in a cave as Musashi did when writing his
great tomes. We choose instead to live comfortably and surround
ourselves with things that give us pleasure, comfort, and utility. This
means we try not to acquire things we don’t need or acquire things
only to impress others.
We are both deep into our middle age years now. We continue to
work to maintain a comfortable lifestyle and because it gives us
satisfaction to help others through our specific jobs. We are blessed
to already have those things newly married couples are focused on
acquiring. So at this stage on our lives, we get only those things
needed for their practicality, and for our particular interests and
personal growth.
As we move from middle age into our twilight years (an expression I
detest), we want to spend our time on simpler things: family, friends,
art, music, and reflection. If someone wants to give us a million
dollars, we wouldn’t be rude and refuse them. But until that happens,
we aren’t going to burn up energy and burn up our remaining years
seeking possessions just for the sake of acquiring more things.