[boefixepa]

Different things make different people happy. I think you will find here that most people are striving to do both of the things you mentioned.

It seems to me from your posts that what brings you happiness is having all the money you want to buy those things. The jeans, the dinner out, the bigger, better whatever. There is nothing wrong with that whatsoever. You did what you needed to go earn the $$ needed to do those things.

Now here's the kicker...not everyone is able, motivated, wants to or is willing to do that. It's a hard concept to grasp sometimes, but not everyone is like you. Some people love their jobs, but know they will never bring home that six figure wage. They are willing to continue doing what they love and live on less. Others, no matter how hard they try (wether by formal education or self-education), will not get the opportunities or brakes that you did. Maybe you created them for your-self, way to go, but that does not mean it will happen for someone else.

Should you encourage others to try, by all means do so. Just keep in mind that to tell people that the efforts they are taking, and by participating and learning here they ARE making an effort, they are basically 'barking up the wrong tree' is a narrow minded view.

You are pointing out another option, but I don't think anyone here has overlooked it. I just think that they are also trying this route to work from both ends.

I constanly read and I read many of the books you mentioned. None of them has earned me more money directly. However they have helped me do better in my life and my relationships, both in business and personal life. I second that constant learning is a great thing.