Accomplishing without paying the price

[Daniel S]

Is there such a thing as something for nothing? If I do something, buy something or recieve something without working for it can I see the true value of it? Lets say I steal money, copy dvds or have the luck to meet some exceptional people who help me with money, buying me drinks or raise my social value in the eyes of others. Is it possible for me to feel good about that, in the end? I mean really truly appreciate it?

I am starting to doubt. I have had access to money through my life, not much but enough to never feel worried about being without it. Or really appreciate it. I have just bought things and not really cared if I could afford it or not. That is not really deserving it but still feeling the pleasure of the price. I think this is a major factor in the lose of a driving force to "work" towards a goal, atleast for me.

I remember when I was younger, around ten years ago. I was an avid video game player. I hardly had any money but the money I got every month (from my parents) I spent on a new video game, it was expensive then I had to import the ones I wanted from the US. Anyway I was on holidy to Australia and got the chance to look around Bangkok on the way there and I found these extremely cheap video games there and I felt I was in heaven. I bought so much there but when I got home I felt no pleasure in playing them for more then a little time each. Since then I have done the same thing to dvd movies and different novels (nothing illegal its just cheap to buy) and all these things coupled with the instant pleasure of "junk food" have given me alot of instant gratification through the last ten years.

The thing is i have been doing the same thing with the giant self help market the last two years. reading and watching like crazy, its so available nowadas
and the feeling of "possible change" is good. The hard thing is to actually do something. I am however starting to realize this now, it would be fun to hear some opinions on the matter.

Its funny though because I have actually achieved something I think is great. Something I had to work for every day for a number of years. Losing a lot of weight and getting a fit body, though it did't last because I thought I was going to get something I didn't get with it. Now however I feel like I am coming closer to understanding myself and what I really want and how to get it.

[Brutha]

Everything in life has an opportunity cost. Everytime you do something you are paying a price.
When you accept money from a friend you become dependend on him.

That doesn't mean that the price isn't worth it, but you are always giving something.

[slinky]

Is there such a thing as something for nothing?

I sure hope so!

Society programs people to value only what they earn, so they're encouraged to work and produce to earn more for themselves. How well this programming works depends on the person. I like getting things I didn't earn because of the money and leisure time I save. I've also worked for goals only to accomplish the goal and react with, "So what?"

[positivityhub]

Of course we can get something for nothing. However, neither do we appreciate nor enjoy something we have got for nothing rather than something we have worked for.
A hot meal after a hard days work tastes much better to me than on a day spent lazing around.