Time Is More Valuable Than Money

What “rich” means in the 21st Century — it’s all about freedom

Years ago, I picked up Timothy Ferriss’s groundbreaking book The Four-Hour Work Week when I saw the term “New Rich” on the cover.

Published in 2007 and having sold over 2 million copies since, its contents significantly impacted how I view wealth and net worth; specifically, time vs. money.

It wasn’t the lazy dude in a hammock on the cover or the idea of working only four hours a week. I like to stay busy pursuing my interests, so having that much free time to nap on a beach was never appealing. If idle time is the devil’s workshop, for me, it’s like Satan’s assembly line.

However, the book's key takeaway jumped out at me, and it’s something I’ve never forgotten. Here it is in summary:

Wealth is measured not just in money, but in freedom of time, mobility, and purpose. Ferriss argues that a millionaire with no free time is less free than someone making $40k/year working 10 hours a week remotely.

That’s something I’ve always believed at my core. What’s the point of accumulating material wealth if you’re not spending your…