In the intricate world of societal hierarchies and personal triumphs, there exists a tacit association between one’s success and their financial prowess, particularly in the metropolis I call home. In this concrete urbanity, a lack of financial productivity and inability to generate substantial monies can lead to unfavourable branding of a “struggler” or a “philosopher” or, unfortunately also, a “failure.” As a discerning observer of mankind’s peculiarities, I find it endlessly amusing how our society has progressively moulded us to worship at the altar of finance, leaving every other pursuit vying for the second spot. In our march from socialism to capitalism, the notion of busy-ness takes the centre stage, with a tacit assumption that being busy equates to productivity, which in turn, opens the gates to the treasure chest of uncle Kuber. Now, if you’ll join me, let’s dive headfirst into this profound and, might I say, occasionally unnerving world of finance.

After years of relentless trials, contemplations, and numerous encounters with the elusive nature of money, I have taken on myself in my forties to unravel the intricate tapestry of finance and present to you “The General Theory on Finance”! As you would’ve guessed, the choice of name of my theory is a playful homage to Einstein’s “The General Theory of Relativity”. The aim is to showcase the captivating mysteries of finance and its relative meaning in our lives.

Let’s also face it that “finance” means different things to different people, and its meaning changes over our lifetime. The multifaceted realm of finance takes on different guises depending on the beholder. Its meaning morphs and evolves, much like the stages of life. In our youthful exuberance, we yearn for an abundance of money, craving its tantalising promises. As we mature into our thirties, we relish the tangible pleasures that riches can bestow upon us while savouring life’s indulgences. And then, one fine day, we may find ourselves crossing paths with the blazing inspiring wealth.

But it doesn’t end there! Men and women, with their unique perspectives, often dance to different tunes when it comes to the symphony of money, riches and wealth. Culture, too, paints its vibrant strokes on the canvas, adding hues of diversity to this enigmatic discipline of money, riches and wealth. The more I delved into the vast sea of financial understanding, engaging in conversations and experiments towards that coveted state of financial nirvana, the more evident it became to me that clarity of definition among these three realms—money, riches, and wealth—is the compass that shall guide us in making prudent investments of our precious time and energy with utmost discernment.

Finance, to the discerning eye, in my humble theory, should encapsulate only three distinct realms: Money, Riches, and Wealth. Don’t let their seemingly interchangeable usage fool you! While these terms may often be deemed the same by a newbie, a closer examination will soon unveil their individual significance, each weaving its own thread into the fabric of our personal and professional endeavours. Let’s attempt to embark on this intellectual escapade, for it may enrich our understanding of the scenic landscape we call finance.