“That which we obtain too easily, we esteem too lightly.”
—Thomas Paine
When we’re handed the golden cup without the arduous journey, we barely value the sparkling treasure it holds.
Imagine a glorious sunset. It’s a daily show, free for all. Its majesty is boundless, yet it’s a spectacle we often ignore. Why? Because it’s there every day. It comes too easily.
Now, picture yourself on a mountain hike. Hours of sweat and toil, your muscles screaming for rest. When you reach the summit, you’re rewarded with a view that takes your breath away. It’s the same sunset, yet it seems more majestic. Why? The effort made to get there amplifies its worth.
What we earn, with sweat on our brows and blisters on our hands, we hold close to our hearts. We treasure it because it didn’t come on a silver platter. The journey, the struggle, the labor—they add weight to the prize. They deepen our appreciation.
In essence, value isn’t just inherent, it’s tied to the effort we put in. The journey to the prize often matters as much as, if not more than, the prize itself. When achievement comes too easily, we underestimate its worth. The glitter of success fades if it’s obtained without a fight.
