”It is said that in 1923, seven of the world’s most successful men met at a Chicago hotel: the president of the largest independent steel company, the president of the largest utility company, the greatest wheat speculator, the president of the New York Stock Exchange, a member of the President’s Cabinet, the president of the Bank of International Settlements and the president of the world’s greatest monopoly. Collectively these tycoons controlled more money than there was in the United States’ Treasury.
Now, fast forward 25 years and let’s see what happened to them. Charles Schwab, president of the largest independent steel company, lived the last five years of his life on borrowed money and died a pauper. Arthur Cooger, the greatest wheat speculator, shot himself. Richard Whitney, president of the New York Stock Exchange, spent three years in prison. Albert Fall, a member of the President’s cabinet, went to prison for bribery. Leon Fraser, president of the U.S. Bank of International Settlements, shot himself. Ivan Kreuger, head of one of the world’s largest monopolies, also committed suicide. If the recent economic upheaval has taught us anything, it’s that money brings neither security nor happiness.”
I agree with the writer of the above stories that we ought to use our money to reach a hurting world with love because that’s the essence of life, the only way we could truly live. I read this a few weeks back and it had a profound effect on me and I thought, why not throw this open and find out what others think?
Now I’ve got a question for you guys! Where do you think you’ll be in 25 years? I get to choose the best answer and whosoever got this right and I’m sure many would. 🙂 would enter my world of creation, which means that I’ll use the best answer to write a short story based on the commenter’s vision of the kind of life he or she would be living in 25 years’ time.
In the meantime, you can all listen to these awesome guys, their song is truly refreshing! You can achieve a lot if you put your mind to it! And in 25 years, you could be on top of the world…
I know I’m creature of impulse but I just feel like doing this! 🙂
So where do I think I’ll be 25 years time? Hmmmnn, I wonder…
Love you always guys! 🙂
Seyi Sandra David 
….whosoever got this right would get a signed copy of any of my books….. does this mean you’ll do the judging in 25 years time?
No! 🙂 25 years is too long for the judging. Merely a week or so when I’m sure all comments are in! Are you in? 🙂
At the Age of 13, I was absolutely certain that I would not conform to the rat race in which my father lived even though he did with integrity.
As a child my imaginations were very vivid, I saw things that were not as though they were and soon devised means of making things happen. I started working early in life towards the life-like picture I saw of my future. Though hurting and heavily depressed due to my abuse by a single mother who could not understand her last son. Her patience was waned and she constantly nursed the belief that I wasn’t going to make it in life. Right then while all hope were lost, my heart rejoiced as I have found enlightenment in my daily devotion and meditation.
As lonely as I felt even in crowded places where my successes were celebrated by all, I could feel a force comfort me in the absence of the people I call family, owing to disbelief or simply lack of interest. Till this day no picture exists of my graduation with my parent by my side. Maybe it was too much to take in given her inability to help with finances or some other internalized reasons but the basic point remain my unshaken tenacity towards the mark.
This is not the story of the pursuit of happiness but the journey to the awakening.
I got all I ever needed in fulfillment and finances to fend for both myself and other people I find struggling, 25yrs after I’m where I saw myself in my earlier vision, lending a helping hand and lifting lives. So if you ask me where I’ll be in 25yrs time (God’s willing) I can confidently say I’ll be expanding my reach after making my country Nigeria, the most desired place on Earth where equity, peace and justice will reign. The actual worth of a man is what is left when all his material wealth/resources are taken away. Naked we came, naked will we return. The world of vanities as we see today will soon come to pass.
Fulfillment is never found in money, fame or vanities but in lifting, touching, aiding and mending lives. Giving others a reason to live, hope for better tomorrow.
This is my story, you’ll hear it again soon in 25 years whichever part of the world you may be.
Let us make the world a little bit better than we met it. #EndTerror
-SEGA (www.segalink.com)
I read this twice Sega, quiet a humbling story, I even got goose pimples reading it. I’m inspired and wish you the best as you navigate through life. I’m sure I’ll hear more of your stories as the years roll by! Thanks for sharing your story on my website my friend! 🙂
I should thank you. You sure know how to bring stories out of people just to inspire others and make the world go round in bliss as should. You inspire me a lot too. I have chosen to remain hungry and foolish no matter where I find myself. Cheers
Thanks for your warm comment. I went to your other website and was blown away. Great job! We need more people like you in Nigeria, then maybe, things would certainly improve!
Blessings to you my friend! 🙂
this is a great informative article.
Thanks!
In 25 years I expect I’ll be a memory in the minds of my children and grandchildren. I think they will have good memories of me as a kind, gentle and loving person. Also a good writer as well. That last one’s a maybe, ha! I expect be be singing praises from above.
Dannie, I don’ know what to write, I mean… I know 25 years is a long time but to think of you not around in that time is heart wrenching! But the thought of you singing praises above is cheery enough, for me, that caps it all, the ability to go to a better place, and with one’s memories in the minds of one’s children and grandchildren is a beautiful thing to look forward to. Thanks for answering the question my friend.
Sandra. I wasn’t trying to be morose in what I said– just a realist. I’m of the age that 25 more years seems a chore more than a blessing. Heaven has a sweeter ring the closer I come to its doors. In its own time
Oh dear!
Goes to show – one just never knows…
And – how sad for all of them.
I hope to be surrounded by love & happiness. I hope to be healthy. I won’t mind some aches & pains, I won’t mind my wrinkles or grey hair. I just want to be happy, alert & aware.
And by being happy – that would mean happiness of my loved ones too. Because if they hurt – I hurt.
Much love to you Seyi Sandra
{Hugs}
I like your answer Rosy, just what anyone would want and pray for, you wrapped everything up so nicely. I really appreciate your comment my dear friend!
much love. 🙂 🙂
25 years from now I will be 79 if I should be so lucky. I would probably be a great grandmother. If the world continues on this path of destruction I would probably have to teach thet how to live without all the technology. I would the wise story teller of how life use to be.
Outstanding answer Kim, and I pray that you’ll still be here 25 years’ time and beyond that. Your wisdom is needed in this present age. I appreciate your comment my friend!
Love and blessings to you! 🙂
Liebe Seyisan die Sonne scheint wie ist das schön nach dem vielen Regen ist das eine wohltat sei ganz lieb gegrüßt Klaus
Vielen Dank für Ihren Besuch Klaus. Ich hoffe, Sie haben eine großartige Wochenende sind!
25-YEARS, is an interesting time-span, and at 49, I don’t want to think that maybe I’ll be dead. I’m already dealing with a number of health issues, taking a truck-load of meds, and found out recently of another heath problem. I want to say that I will be happy and still living a calm and peaceful life, but honestly, I’m not sure if I can say that: Of course, I can think it, but thinking it is fantasy, not my reality. I’ll do what I can to stay healthy, and have to work on the happy part, but the mechanics of my body may not cooperate, and so I have no idea about 25-years into the future…seriously.
What an awful thing to say Nawfal :(! I know you’re just been honest and realistic, nevertheless, it’s still a grim reality. Whatever health challenges you face now though, it could still be overcome. I believe in miracles my friend! 25 years is a long time but time flies with supersonic speed this days, soon, you may realise that Seyi Sandra David once wrote a post like this and you left your comment. I hope that day would meet us well. Continue to stay healthy my friend.
I appreciate your visit and comment.
Love and peace to you. 🙂
I too hope that in 25-years I am here to remember that Seyi asked the question, and that I overcame everything I now face. I do hope that day meets us well. Thank you my friend, and Peace to You!
Nawfal
My pleasure Nawfal, I’m positive that day would meet us well!
Love and peace to you too!
25 years from now, Arrow Gate Publishing would have released thousands of books from authors whose words would have inspired a generation. I think the next 25 years is going to be exciting for us as a company.
Great post Seyi, you always make your readers ponder on your words!
🙂
Amen to that Christy! 🙂 You guys are life savers and I wish you more success daily. I appreciate your comment and kind visits!
Cheers, 🙂
In 25 years Sandra, if God permits, I should be on retirement and enjoying my grandchildren. I should hope that I would be a better Christian with a very personal walk with God. I should also love to be a lay pastor giving testimonies and inspiring others about the goodness of God.
I pray that would indeed be your testimony my sister, retired, surrounded by one’s grandchildren, having better walk with the Lord, filled and enriched with grace; what more can one wish for? Beautiful answer my friend, one that I want to emulate!
blessings and love to you my friend. 🙂
right here (maybe in a wheelchair) but still reading your awesome posts 😀
Yeee haa! Way to go Bonnie, except I don’t want the wheelchair for you! May that day meet us well my friend. Appreciate your visit and comment!
Much love. 🙂
Nothing to be add on this story – The structure, details speaks by itself!
Thanks Mihrank, appreciate your visit and comment.
I read this very same story not too long ago Seyi in UCB and I found it as powerful as you did. It really does illustrate the false ‘happiness’ of money and status. 25 years, hmmm…Well, not very exciting but my hope is that I will have written a few books by then – published of course! – and have my farmhouse kitchen with a a big pine table in the middle surrounded by my three grown children and their partners and lots of laughing, happy grandchildren. Chickens will be clucking around in the garden and cats and dogs padding about the place. No that is my idea of heaven, God willin’ and the creek don’t rise. I just hope and pray that I’ll be fit and healthy to enjoy it by then 😉
Much love to you my friend and abundant blessings 🙂 ❤
That UCB devotion is powerful Sherri, I read it over and over again! Although it’s what I know, that money isn’t happiness, yet when I read stories like that, I certainly appreciate the gifts of God in my life. I hope and pray your dreams in the next 25 years would be a reality, an author, renowned for the powers in her words, published, celebrated and loved. (Which you are now by the way! 🙂 ) Just picturing your words brought a chuckle to my lips, I certainly want and pray for that kind of life too, surrounded by grown children, joyous and healthy grandchildren; it’s certainly a mini heaven my friend!
I think the creek won’t rise and we’ll certainly enjoy those days, wherever we are in the world! I appreciate your picturesque answer, and your visit is always a delight!
Much love and peace to you Sherri! 🙂 🙂
Bless you and thank you my dear friend…have a lovely weekend and see you soon 🙂 🙂 🙂
My weekend was great, though it’s been raining all day in London today, couldn’t take the kids out as planned 😦 ! I hope yours was great my friend! 🙂 🙂
Yes, same here! Hope your kids didn’t get too stir crazy…! We had a nice chilling weekend, thank you. Got caught up with all the ironing and watched a film or two 🙂 Have a good week my friend, catch up soon ❤
In 25 years, I will either be dead – as i will be 72, in a nursing home, in a wheelchair or being used for research into fixing back complaints.
Al, it’s people like you who live till 100, cured of your back pain and enjoying their great grandchildren! I see that for you my friend! 🙂
Haha just enjoying grandchildren would be cool 😀 I’ve lived with back pain for longer than I have had a blog. It’s a part of my life
WoW! 25yrs time, i will be at the very beginning of my prime. That would be the time to stand up and stand tall for my generation. Wherever and However.
As always you’ve got a great write up, ma’am
Thanks my friend! You would indeed be a blessing to your generation, I see that in your destiny! 🙂
Much love and blessings to and thanks for your visit and comment.
🙂
What a great question…where do I think I will be..I hope to be a successful author, or at least an author that enjoys his work. I wish to just be happy and secure with a little money to do things that make me and my friends happy. Where will I physically be, well I have no qualms with travelling and I think I will have had some adventures in different countries in the mean time and lots of amusing stories.
You’ll certainly be a renowned author, poet, reviewer, columnist and whatever you want to be, you can be! I’m certain the next 25 years of your life would be interesting! Appreciate your answer dear Ste J. Glad you stopped over.
Wow thank you, I hope I can live up to your expectations and do something impressive. The next 25 will be a blast and I look forward to your 25 year retrospective post as well!
I think you’re going to be more than impressive my friend! I agree with you, the next 25 years will be a blast and I’ll definitely blog about this post then, God willing.
🙂
In 25 years I’ll be 89 and part of the universe. I’ll finally understand the true meaning of the final frontier as I’ll be a part of it. I’ll be missed by family and friends but they’ll be happy too because they’ll know that my greatest wish had finally come true…
Sandra, in 25 years, you could still be here, still been loved by friends and family. Although, sometimes, we can go when we want to, and the will to live beyond a certain age could ultimately rest with us…
Well, before that time comes, I hope every day would bring joy, laughter, peace, and contentment your way! Thanks for stopping by and answering my question!
Love and blessings. 🙂
The photo is really beautiful, with a sense of awe and fascination at the same time…
Ciao !!!
Thanks my friend, I’m glad you like it!
🙂
Seyi, what an intriguing post. It seems that too much money makes us poor. In 25 yrs I hope to be loving grandchildren, still writing, and enjoying my dear husband’s company as we share morning coffee together in our garden.
Blessings ~ Wendy ❀
Thanks for your warm comment Wendy. Your 25 years goal is worthy of emulation and I’m certain that it’s going to be a reality. I wish you love, peace, and joy my friend! 🙂
Blessings. 🙂
My husband and I have said that after the kids are grown, we want to spend time volunteering in India, working with children. 25 years from now might be a good time for that.
That’s a great thought Anita, I hope it becomes a reality. Giving selflessly is a scarce commodity in the world we live in today. Thanks for your visit and answering my question, enjoy the rest of this week!
🙂
In 25 years from now.. I hope that I’m well enough to be a happy retired person writing my poetry.. (BTW.. the monopoly guy – was Ivar Kreuger…) and he had world monopoly (almost) on matches.
That’s a cool dream to look forward to my friend! I wish you all blessings!! Appreciate your visit.
🙂
Hmmm In 25 years from now I hope to be surrounded by a world that sees beyond gender and takes into account my soul more than the sex I am. I hope to be immersed in the written world in ways that complement the spoken one and to be able to reach my arms open and have them embraced by people that I love.
That’s practical, possible and achievable Christy, and I hope your hopes and dreams would be a reality! Thanks for stopping by my friend! 🙂
Much love. 🙂
You are nominated for one lovely blog awardhttps://angelaschua.wordpress.com/2014/08/29/one-lovely-blog-award/https://angelaschua.wordpress.com/2014/08/29/one-lovely-blog-award/
Thanks so much for the nomination, I truly appreciate it! Cheers!
[…] Seyi Sandra David (Blog) […]
[…] be true. I want to appreciate everyone who left a comment on my last post ‘Unknown,’ https://seyisandradavid.org/2014/08/19/unknown/ I couldn’t pick the best answer, they were all sensible and great. I had wanted to send one […]
Hello Seyi. Thank you for dropping by my website and taking the time to read my latest post. After perusing your site, there is no wonder you are multi-published. I love this “Unknown” piece, makes one stop and think. You were very smart to begin your endeavors at an early age. I have written all of my life, however, 15 years ago I decided to get serious. It’s that magical number of 50 when you seriously know what it is you want to do. Thinking about your number of 25, that would put me out of the game. My grandmother lived to 81, so I do not believe I’ll live that far beyond that. In any event, hubby and I were discussing that just the other day. He said I smiled when I told him this. I don’t remember what he asked, but my answer was – “I’ll be going home to be with my mother, my grandparents and my son, who she is now taking care of, since they are all waiting for me there.” I did not say all of that to be depressing, although I realize as a young person, you are not in the least thinking about things of this nature. Didn’t mean it that way. Anyway, I loved that video, and I would purchase it, but I’m having a space problem on my computer. But I will remember it when I get a new one. Will look for you on twitter and facebook. Good luck with all of your future endeavors.
Thanks for your comment my friend. I read it slowly and fully understand your point of view. In the next 25 years, I would be pushing towards 65 and believes I would write until my dying day. I’m glad you would continue to write too, and I wish you success in everything you do. I have a son in heaven and my dad is watching over him as we speak, and at the time of life, I would see them again, just not yet! 🙂
I hope you would live beyond 25 years’ time, there is so much we could still give the world. Writers have powers to change the world, and we can do that by writing books that makes sense, books that break barriers and demolish stereotypes. I would look out for you on Twitter and FB too. Take care of yourself and God bless you!
Blessings. 🙂
Nice article. I love the song too 😉
Thanks, I appreciate that! 🙂