Fame, Fortune, and Ambition

Book excerpt: A provocative look at the pursuit of material success and influential power from one of the twentieth century’s greatest spiritual teachers. “I want you to be rich in every possible way—material, psychological, spiritual. I want you to live the richest life that has ever been lived on the earth.”—Osho Fame, Fortune, and Ambition: What is the Real Meaning of Success? examines the symptoms and psychology of preoccupations with money and celebrity. Where does greed come from? Do values like competitiveness and ambition have a place in bringing innovation and positive change? Why do celebrities and the wealthy seem to have so much influence in the world? Is it true that money can’t buy happiness? These questions are tackled with a perspective that is thought-provoking, surprising—and particularly relevant to our troubled economic times. Osho challenges readers to examine and break free of the conditioned belief systems and prejudices that limit their capacity to enjoy life in all its richness. He has been described by the Sunday Times of London as one of the “1000 Makers of the 20th Century” and by Sunday Mid-Day (India) as one of the ten people—along with Gandhi, Nehru, and Buddha—who have changed the destiny of India. Since his death in 1990, the influence of his teachings continues to expand, reaching seekers of all ages in virtually every country of the world.