Sorites Paradox

The Sorites Paradox, also known as the paradox of the heap, is a philosophical problem that explores the concept of gradual change and its consequences. One of the most well-known formulations of this paradox revolves around the impact of repeated small actions. The question posed is: Can one coin make a person rich? At first glance, the answer seems to be no. If you give a person a pile of ten coins, it wouldn’t typically be claimed that he or she is rich. However, the paradox arises when considering the gradual accumulation of coins. With each additional coin added to the pile, the distinction between being rich and not being rich becomes increasingly blurred. At some indeterminate point, there arises the realization that it’s challenging to define the precise moment at which someone transitions from not being rich to being considered as such. This paradox prompts contemplation on the nature of accumulation, thresholds, and the abruptness of change, challenging traditional notions of categorization and prompting deeper reflection on the implications of small, incremental actions.

“Sorites Paradox, fn1 which talks about the effect one small action can have when repeated enough times. One formulation of the paradox goes as follows: Can one coin make a person rich? If you give a person a pile of ten coins, you wouldn’t claim that he or she is rich. But what if you add another? And another? And another? At some point, you will have to admit that no one can be rich unless one coin can make him or her so.”

Fragmento de: James Clear. “Atomic Habits”. Apple Books.

The value we put on things doesn’t determine our worth, when we think that having money or thing will attract others and like us, we might be showing more than we expect. Having thing may distract us, but if we don’t take care of ourselves and enrich our lives, the people we atract will only take advantage. Build yourself and enrich your life so when money comes, people engage with who you are and not for what you have.