The Man Who Had Everything — But Lost Himself: A Wake-Up Call for Modern Life

Reason to live!

Doctor, I don't want to live!  don't save me shouted Harish. I had been called to the emergency bcoz a patient had overdosed on antidepressants and arrived in a critical state.

Harish, an 40- year-old was my old patient. He was huge man, built like a bear, and had a charm for people. He had built up a huge fortune by his various businesses, having mansions and farm houses all over the place. Harish travelled all over the world, jetting and visiting countries like travelling from one locality to another in Bangalore. Cars were his passion and he loved purchasing luxury cars from all parts of the world and kept them in his collection of pet cars. His was a ultra Uber lifestyle, the envy of most people.

I saw him in the casualty, sprawled on bed, conscious but breathing heavily. I could see his huge neck swathed in a heavy gold chain. On all his fingers, glistened diamond rings, speaking of his immense wealth. He looked broken, drooling saliva from his mouth, and in slurred voice said, doctor, let me die. I can't go on...

I knew his story. He had told me how he had clawed his way to being nouveau rich by his sheer talent and hardwork.  Within 10 years, he had built a huge empire, encompassing several countries. His story was a true inspiration to young entrepreneurs about building wealth and becoming successful in life. He had told me how he worked more than 14 hours each day for several years building his fortune. 

Harish!  Don't speak like that I said. No doctor, my wife left me. I am all alone. I gained all the riches n wealth, now it has no meaning. I won the world game but lost the game of Life. 

He died alone in the cold, drab ICU. We were not able to save him. His wife and kids did not come, nor his father or mother, nor his brothers or sisters.  His immense wealth did not save him. He was all alone amongst the cold walls, unwanted, uncared by his family. Finally, finding comfort in death. Death brought him inner peace which he seeked all his life in the material world....

His death made me think deeply about the Real things that matter in life. He achieved all the wealth, riches, name n fame one can dream of. He had been blessed with looks, personality, mindset to earn fabulous wealth, a good family n kids, but he did not understand that wealth by itself does not fulfill. 

Fulfillment, happiness and peace of mind comes when all facets of life are fulfilled. Happiness is a byproduct of inner fullfillment. 

 He won the outer world, but his inner world was lost, empty. Would it be worth, if all the material things in the world are achieved, with inner world of family, relationships, fulfillment, peace of mind and inner joy are lost and vice versa? If one achieves the whole world but the real things which no money can buy are lost, is it worth it?

 Life is a combination of inner and outer worlds and both should be in sync, then life becomes happy....worth living..