Being generous is not the same as being naive. And understanding this difference can completely change your destiny.
In several of his reflections, Yokoi Kenji explains that order is not coldness but a form of respect for life. Where there is order, there is clarity. And where there is clarity, there is prosperity.
Here are eight things you should never lend—not out of selfishness, but out of wisdom.
1. Never give up.
Many people don’t take money from you, but they do take your peace of mind. They drag you into their conflicts, their emotional chaos, their constant drama. You start to sleep poorly, overthink, and live in tension.
When you lose your composure, productivity drops, decision-making becomes more difficult, and finances suffer. Protecting your composure isn’t insensitive; it’s caring for your mental and emotional health.
2. Never lend your time.
Money can be repaid, but time can’t. Some people don’t seek help; they just want to fill your schedule. Five minutes can turn into hours, and hours into years of living someone else’s life.
Poor time management is one of the most common causes of personal and financial stagnation.
3. Never listen without consideration.
Listening isn’t bad, but it will become an emotional dumping ground—it does. Some people come to you just to complain, play the victim, and vent their frustrations. Constant emotional pollution changes your character, your outlook on life, and leads to poor decisions.
