What Money Doesn’t Change

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In January 2022 I flew to San Diego to kick off a week of gluttony and adventure. Like any city, there are hidden gems if you look for them.

The last time I was in San Diego, my friend and I were rollerblading the streets of La Jolla and came across what we later figured out was the Saigon Trailhead nestled between two brown residential fences.

Curiosity got the better of us and we couldn't resist exploring this secret haven.

The trail winds through a dramatic sandstone canyon along a small creek before dumping out to Black’s Beach. Apparently it has also been used by surfers to access the beach since the 1960s. However, if you venture off the path halfway through and conquer a steep ascent, you will find yourself standing atop a colossal ocean bluff, with stunning views of the coastline.

So naturally I had to go back. Except this time was different.

You see, La Jolla is home to tons of wealthy people. And atop this cliffside, practically in your face, are the homes of the wealthiest of the wealthy. One of them really stands out, though: The Razor House. It’s an 11,000-foot architectural masterpiece and the home of Alicia Keys. The house appeared in commercials for Visa and Calvin Klein, and some Marvel fans even think it served as inspiration for Tony Stark’s (Iron Man) house.

So, there I am, standing on that cliff, taking in the moment. And then I looked over and noticed a woman on the property—almost certainly Alicia Keys—seemingly distraught.

I’m sure we just caught her at a bad time, but, the contrast between her apparent concerns and my own state—drenched in sweat, covered in dirt and sand, yet feeling more alive than ever—was a light bulb moment for me.

True contentment lies in the pursuit of experiences that invigorate our souls.

There’s nothing inherently wrong with experiencing dissatisfaction in an oceanfront mansion. We're all human, and no amount of money can shield us from negative emotions like fear, anger, or sadness. It is easy to romanticize the idea of living in such luxury, thinking that we'd spend our days in awe of the world-class view or constantly admiring the opulent home. But let's face it: as I saw that day, people don't just sit around in their houses, mesmerized by their surroundings.

No, we value experiences that breathe life into our souls. It may be true that material desires evolve—once you acquire M, you seek M+1, continuously buying nicer versions of the same stuff. But our baseline for fulfillment doesn’t really shift with wealth.

It’s why Richard Branson flies hot air balloons. Sam Zell took motorcycle trips through Mongolia. Mark Zuckerberg is learning martial arts. Jeff Bezos goes to Coachella. These things aren’t even that expensive. In fact, if they were “for sale”, these individuals would already have them.

Despite owning extraordinary material things, they find themselves drawn back to pursuits that are largely accessible to all of us today.

Being wealthy doesn’t change the contentment you derive from music that hits you deep in your core. Nature that leaves you breathless. Love that chokes you up. Deep presence with friends and family. The thrill of adventure.

Think back on the fondest memories of your life. I’m willing to bet most cost less than $500, if anything. It’s never, “That time I lounged on the couch in my $20 million dollar house.”

A spectacular view is a spectacular view. Give me a billion dollars and I’d still think the Saigon Trail is home to one of the most satisfying experiences I’ve had.

We often believe that money will unlock an entirely new level of satisfaction—a new playing field of feelings that only the 1% can feel. While it may grant us the luxuries of big houses and fancy cars—and there's nothing wrong with appreciating such luxuries—genuine happiness can be pursued right here, right now.

Of course living in the Razor House would be sweet. But even sweeter is hiking up to a breathtaking view next to the Razor House with people you love, and cherishing the memory for a lifetime.

- Sam

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