The MORE Response

The MORE response©

There are many so called ‘responses’ not the least of which are the following:

• The Relaxation Response (made famous by Dr. Herbert Benson): a group of physiologic changes that cause decreased activity of the sympathetic nervous system and consequent relaxation after stimulation of certain regions of the hypothalamus. (In others, this response de-stresses one).


• The Fetch Response: the repetitive happy presentation of object (in particular, tennis balls by Her Majesty Goodie) to retrieve after toss or soulful eyes presentation of ball engendering Jewish guilt so as to continue More throwing the retrieving process ad infinitum if she had her way – as this never Enough fetch.

• The Kfetech Kevetch Response: bortzing, complaining, whining but particular by this Jewish companion animal guardian (reality – serf) for Her Royal Highness’ incessant unending (if allowed) desire for fetch and yet he continues to give in. (She loves fetch, he must love kevetching better than the relaxation response.)
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My standard poodles,Goodie and Elle and I would play fetch in the backyard twice a day – the first time, in the morning and secondly late afternoon.
(Moses, my faithful male black standard poodle chevrutah (study partner), still prefers being first on the chair with me when I study to ball).

I would throw three to four balls. And invariably Goodie, still without success, tries to put two rubber balls in her mouth. And even when she has a rubber ball in her mouth, the one Elle is fetching looks better – MORE .

I can only wonder through osmosis if the proclivity and preference towards MORE has been transferred in domesticating our dogs, as Goodie, with tennis ball already in her mouth, would go after Elle’s ball in a ‘burning bush’ because it might better.
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Announcing (drum roll please), now for the first time - alluded to but unnamed here to date is for your personal financial taxonomy classification: The MORE response©

The MORE response©: Stimulated/motivated by the delusional quest to overcome inevitable extinction of the physical (which one identifies as ‘himself’), the The MORE response©, is a derivative of acquisition (Cain), which seeks to gain THE permanent, THE certain, and THE continuous thus, overcoming the inevitable physical extinction (a delusion) or at least palliating oneself in the interim.
Practitioners (whether consciously or unconsciously, lay or professional) of The MORE response© are affectionately referred to as MOREONs.
The MORE response© masquerades and is exemplified as follows:

• If only, if only, if only, if only, if only
• But what if, but what if, but what if
• Yes but, yes but, yes but
• I’m too busy getting more so I’ll have enough (which I don’t have time to calculate)

The MOREON response©:

1. Sacrificing what one needs for what one doesn’t need
2. MORE, Better, Now…

The MOREON response© ReBUTTal:

1. MORE, Better, Now… which typically becomes LE$$, worse, later.
2. “The More fat, the More disease. The More possessions, the More worry. The More wives, the More rivalry. The More maids, the More frivolity. The More butlers, the More theft.”
Rabbi Hillel, Pirke Avot 2:8

The ENOUGH Response ©:
Enough to live on; Enough to live for

The ENOUGH Irony©

More vs ENOUGH from Ecclesiastes to Talmud To New Testament

More vs ENOUGH – January 22, 2012

The More fat, the More disease. The More possessions, the More worry. The More wives, the More rivalry. The More maids, the More frivolity. The More butlers, the More theft.
Rabbi Hillel, Pirke Avot 2:8

The More you have
The More you have to maintain
Ecclesiastes 5:10

I have seen a great heartache in this world;
you hoard your wealth to guard against the future
only to lose it all in a deal gone bad
Ecclesiastes 5:12-13

If you are clever in the ways of finance
yet lack the capacity for contentment (enoughness – jds)
are you at all superior to the financially ignorant?
Is a contented pauper less than a discontented financier
Ecclesiastes 6:8

Once there was a rich man who lad lots of money and he said, ‘I willinvest my money so that I can sow, reap, plant, and fill up my silos with crops so I won’t lack anything’ So he thought, but that night he died.
Gospel of Thomas

If you are clever in the ways of finance
yet lack the capacity for contentment (enoughness – jds)
are you at all superior to the financially ignorant?
Is a contented pauper less than a discontented financier
Ecclesiastes 6:8

More, better, now becomes less, worse, later
Jim Schwartz

Money can’t buy happiness but it can’t buy you poverty either
Ellis Schwartz

Mephistos, More, Enough, Wisdom & Folly - A Jewish (Cobbled) Tail (With A Bite)

Mephistos, More, Enough, Wisdom & Folly
A Jewish (Cobbled) Tail (With A Bite)

(My first pair of Mephistos shoes bought in 1973 – soled and resoled – 3 times – finally died today -a tear in the leather- at the age of 38. There was nothing MORE I could do. Another sole is lost. I feel like a ‘heel.’ Nothing is permanent.)

I bought MORE field hands and house slaves, MORE stewards and maids, MORE cattle and sheet than anyone who lived before me. I hoarded coins both silver and gold, raided the treasure houses of kings, and stripped caravans of their precious cargo. I filled my homes with singers and musicians. I piled crate upon crate stuffed with the most prized luxuries. I grew wealthier than any of my predecessors in Jersusalem and yet none of this satisfied me, nothing but wisdom alone
Ecclesiastes 2:6-9 Rabbi Remi Shapiro Translation
Fonts by Schwartz

I bought slaves – male and female – and I acquired stewards; I also owned MORE possessions, both cattle and sheep, than all of my predecessors in Jerusalem; I amassed even silver and gold for myself, and the treasure of kings and the provinces; I provided myself with various musical instruments, and with every human luxury – chest and chests of them. Thus I grew and surpassed any of my predecessors in Jerusalem; still, my wisdom stayed with me.
Ecclesiastes 2:7-10 Stone Edition Tanach (Orthodox)
Font by Schwartz

I bought male and female slaves, and I acquired stewards. I also acquired MORE cattle, both herds and flocks, than all who were before me in Jerusalem. I further amassed silver and gold and treasures of kinds and provinces; and I got myself male and female singers, as well as the luxuries of commoners- coffers and coffers of them. Thus, I gained more wealth than anyone before me in Jerusalem. In addition, my wisdom remained with me
Ecclesiastes 2:7-9 JPS Tanakh (Conservative Judaism)
Font by Schwartz

And here this writer use to mock The Rabbi Establishment with ‘where there is a Rabbinic will there’s a halacha (legal) way’ when the above ‘renderings’ are at best interpretative translations rather than literal translations. At a minimum, these interpretative translations should have a Judaic Warning label ‘Translation May Be Hazardous To Your Conclusions.”

The above stipulated, there is a common thread between these interpretive translations: that wisdom is preferable to MORE MORE MORE.
But even the wisdom balloon bursts with:

• If the fool’s fate is the same as mine, has wisdom any lasting advantage? And I concluded that wisdom, too, is empty (Ecclesiastes 2:15, Shapiro)
• So I realized: “The fate of the fool is also destined for me; to what advantage, then, have I been wise?” And I came to the conclusion that that (wisdom) too was futile” (Ecclesiastes JPS 2-15)
• So I said to myself: The fate of the fool will befall me also; to what advantage, then, have I become wise? But I concluded that this, too, was futility. (Ecclesiastes Stone Edition Tanach 2:15)

But neither MORE, the folly of ignorance is bliss, nor wisdom can overcome the ephemeral, impermanence, the emptying (hevel)!

In the end both wise and foolish are forgotten
The death of one is identical to that of the other
Ecclesiastes 2:16

Thus, when the game is over, the king, pawn, the wise, the foolish all go in the same box.

Is it any wonder most (99%+ see self interest past entry) have continued to seek t MORE MORE MORE better now financially (despite denials to appear selfless) and or continue to pursue MORE MORE MORE better now in other currencies (awards, knowledge, wisdom etc) despite MORE MORE MORE yielding in time LESS, WORSE & LATER foolishly repeated. Why – it is what we know, and this hardwiring is culturally reinforced by ‘hope & the pursuit of happiness’ which palliates the delusion or hole in the soul. MORE as Enough merely reminds of the impermanence – hevel of all including wisdom and folly – which at least initially depresses with in the face reality of ‘what next if not MORE MORE MORE?

Continuity, certainty, permanence is futile.
But this life – futile – no it’s a matter of accepting the ephemeral with equanimity (rising above the good and the bad) while holding to the faith that this life is a soul curriculum exercise for character development to merit to a-gain for again.

In the interim, if lucky, we are blessed with dogs -Ambassadors from God, Chaverim (friends) of The Soul- during midterms and finals easing the ephemeral, the impermanent, and the uncertain

Well, ‘enough’ of this‘sole-ful’ rendering. Like the physical demise of my 38 year old Mephistos – that’s shoe business – a hit today, tomorrow in the recycle bin.

I give you good leather, it’s up to you to make good shoes
Guirjieff

More Than A Mouthful: Fetching More vs Enough

More Than A Mouthful: Fetching More vs Enough

Despite repeated efforts, over and over and over and over again, each day and every day twice a day when we play fetch, Goodie attempts unsuccessfully to put not only the ball thrown for her into her mouth but also Moses’. And with each attempt to place two balls into her mouth, pawing, pushing & batting as she might, Goodie inevitably drops the ball already in her mouth and is frustrated.
More than a mouthful is a waste in ‘more’ ways than one.

In seeking more, more, more it’s not unusual to the drop the ball we already have. More better now has a habit of becoming ‘worse, less, later’ whether in Goodie playing fetch, in personal financial planning or other life experiences.
One ball never seems to be ‘enough’ for Goodie (regardless of frustration) nor is enough seem to ever be enough for us in personal financial planning or life in general as if ‘there’s got to be more.’

MoreOnic behavior.

So we sacrifice what we need for what we don’t need.
Why do entrepreneurs make it lose it make it lose it – ad infinitum -despite advice to become independent of their independent businesses by having ‘enough’ in diversified passive protected assets regardless of their entrepreneurial ups and downs?
The question is why?

Having enough would cause an assessment of finding meaning IN one’s life?
More is hard wired and reinforced culturally to become habitual?
More validates in an external comparative sense to others?
More diverts, deflects from dealing with fear of extinction (which most identify as their physical body) while palliating through acquisition?

When Ben Franklin rhetorically asked ‘what is rich?’ and answered himself with ‘he is who is content,’ followed with the question, ‘who is that?’ and answered himself, ‘nobody!’

And so, again today, in attempting to secure both balls in her mouth, Goodie paws, pushes, and bats to no avail – and neither ball is secure in her mouth.

Yes, more than a mouthful is a waste.

The New American Scheme Dream: Sodom & GaMOREah – More & Without Risk (Payment or Loss)

The New American Scheme Dream: Sodom & GaMOREah –
More & Without Risk (Payment or Loss)

“I’m a conservative investor. All I seek is 15% after inflation with no risk”
Actual Statement by A Then Fortune 1000 Chairman of the Board in the ‘90’s

It hasn’t changed.
On one hand, more, more, more (or you are less, less, less) is the siren call of our culture while, on the other hand, while we want more, more, more to be riskless (thus giving rise to the phenomenal growth litigation industry).
Ironically, I now append the motto more, better, now becomes less, worse, later to ‘more, better, now, without risk becomes less, worse, later, and loss.’

When Ben Franklin rhetorically asked ‘what is rich?’ and answered himself with ‘he is who is content,’ followed with the question, ‘who is that?’ and answered himself, ‘nobody!’
There is never ‘enough.’

Now it’s keep the profits private and socialize the risks (offing the risks to taxpayers) for banks; walk away from home loans and student loans individually playing the victim card rather than ‘manning up’ (1) and offing the risks to taxpayers.
Defaulting and bailouts are the same: the disintegration of responsibility as a virtue justified as social justice or for fear of systemic risk – but avoidance of accountability and payment just the same.
Heads I win – tails everyone else loses and pays ‘for me.’
This MOREonic behavior – has become normative.

The ‘Cultural Imperialism’: More, Riskless sans Responsibility.
Sodom & GaMOREah

(1) ‘manning up’ has become a perjorative in this politically correct nonetheless victim vulture culture society

More, Enough & Lack

More, Enough & Lack

Lack – survive (seeking externals to fulfill - never ending more)
More – strive (never ending comparative Hamster Wheel)
Enough – arrive & thrive (internal development of one’s portion – scoreboard internal)

Self Worthiness, Unequal Incomes (Income Disparity & Envy (Coveting

Self Worthiness, Unequal Incomes (Income Disparity & Envy (Coveting)

First, let’s stipulate: Capitalism produces unequal distribution of income
Secondly, regardless of excesses, no other economic system to date has produced the widespread prosperity of capitalism and it’s unequal distribution of income and resulting wealth.
Third, one principle America was founded on was to create an aristocracy of merit which in the negative was against an aristocracy based on birth (hereditary privilege).
And fourth, for capitalism to work there must be equality of opportunity – not equality of outcomes -which requires not only a level playing field for competition, and the rule of law but transparency.
Fifth, there has been remarkable abuses by the parasitic banks, investment banks whereby they leveraged 30-40:1 and got bailed out keeping the profits private and the risk socialized. Yet, there is no admission of primary culpability by the host predatory borrowers and their enablers (who made NINJAs – no income, no jobs, no assets) out of them (overwhelmingly Democrats/Fannie Mae) that THERE IS NO PARASITE WITHOUT A HOST.
Sixth, when, there is no skin in the game, be it the profits are private and the risk is socialized or no money or low money down mortgages – there is no buy in only abuse. Per Genesis ‘to be counted’ (and not just in the census literally) everyone – have, have not, have a little want some more – had to pay a ½ shekel.
Finally, while one can argue the excesses and abuses, let us not defeat the better for the perfect (which doesn’t exist). There are only ‘better’ tradeoffs rather than absolute solutions.

The above said, 1% pay 40% of the taxes, 53% pay all the income taxes, and the 47% pay who pay no federal income taxes - who have ‘no skin in the game’ are bitching about ‘income disparity’

What is at the bottom of the resentment?
MONEY EQUALS SELF WORTH.
More Money Equals More Worthiness (SUPERIORITY); Less Money Equals Less Worthiness (INFERIORITY).

Let me elucidate on the dualistic thinking that is pervasive through our culture proving that more is good, therefore less is bad – and by extrapolation, he who has more is worthwhile and he who has less is not comparatively worthwhile or worse ‘worthless’ which leads to envy, theft (redistribution of wealth – a synonym) is rationalized by victimization and euphemized as social justice, entitlement, and or rights
If we are useful, of service, functional, we are right. Today’s currency is being right and not being wrong. If we do what is useful, we are right (we get an  and we are right even righteous (originally, right use ness). If we are right – we get ‘more’ otherwise we get less. If we get more, we are better; if not, we are worse. If we are better we are winners – otherwise losers. If we are winners we are worthy (not worthless). And we are worthy, we are good which is just one ‘o’ away from God.
It is no coincidence, therefore, that assets less liabilities is referred to as Net Worth – Net Worthiness. And the ‘more’ Net Worth – the ‘more’ Worthy (the less net worth – the more worthless comparatively!)

Therefore in order not to be wrong, less, bad, losers and worthless – theft/ larcency/redistribution – become legitimate renamed as ‘entitlement, rights, and (the be all end all of motherhood facockta rationalizations) ‘social justice.’
As a result, we should get, by hook or crook (least I be redundant – social justice, redistribution, entitlement, rights) MORE (SUPERIOR)otherwise we are LESS and WORTHLESS (INFERIOR) comparatively.
When all the ‘good reasons’ (abuse, excesses by the parasites but no culpability of the hosts) are exhausted – the real reason behind the theme of income disparity is lack of comparative SELF WORTH rationalizing theft so ‘we are not LESS.’

Ironically, the parasites and the hosts are both MONEY GRUBBERS defining their worthiness by MORE or LESS, the former by the legalized larceny spin words ‘entitlement, rights, victimhood and social justice’ the latter by keeping the profits private and the risk socialized

If anything, the Occupy Wall Street should be Occupying:
• Barney Franks, Chris Dodds’ & Andrew Cuomo’s home
• Fannie Mae & Freddie Mac
• Colleges (who raise tuition 300%+ over the consumer price index)

You can’t change parasites but you can, first drain the incentives of the host, and secondly change the cage of the parasites. In particular:

• 20% down minimum on houses – period. (Does anyone believe we would have had these crazy overleveraged financial shenanigans were it not the NINJA subprime financing enabled by “Our Bettors” Dodds, Franks, Cumos’s etc?
• End tenure and go to contracts at Universities as well as go charter and or voucher for K-12 to put merit back into the system versus whining forever bitching and moaning we need more money as we continually get more for less and more student debt
• End revolving doors in Washington such that elected officials and staffs (nor their immediate families) can go to work for those whom they regulate for 5 years.
• Stop socializing the risk and keeping private the profits by increasing banks’ capital requirements lowering leverage.
• Keep estate taxes after both spouses pass. Inheritance is affirmative action for the rich. Being a member of the lucky sperm club doesn’t create jobs and violates meritocracy
• Taxation should be changed to a flat tax or a consumption tax with a negative income tax component (getting the federal government out of being the Nanny and reducing the bureaucracy telling those in need how and what to spend their money on.)
• End double/triple taxation as given demographic changes (88 million pulling money out of passive investments) the stimulation should be capital formation to create jobs and thriving passive investments given the demographics.

In the end, however, envy is envy is envy and coveting is coveting is coveting and More doesn’t define Worthiness (SUPERIORITY) unless one believes it does.