# The Geometry of Wealth: How To Shape A Life Of Money And Meaning

- Link: https://fundraising.co.uk/books/the-geometry-of-wealth-how-to-shape-a-life-of-money-and-meaning/
- Published: 2018-06-12T13:26:00+01:00
- Author: Howard Lake

In _The Geometry of Wealth_, behavioural finance expert Brian Portnoy delivers an
inspired answer, building on the critical distinction between being rich and being
wealthy. While one is an unsatisfying treadmill, the other is the ability to underwrite
a meaningful life, however one chooses to define that.

Truly viewed, wealth is funded contentment. At the heart of this groundbreaking 
perspective, Portnoy takes readers on a journey toward wealth, informed by disciplines
ranging from ancient history to modern neuroscience.

He contends that tackling the big questions about a joyful life and tending to financial
decisions are complementary, not separate, tasks.

These big questions include:

 * How is the human brain wired for two distinct experiences of happiness? And why
   can money “buy” one but not the other?
 * What are the touchstones of a meaningful life, and are they affordable?
 * Why is market savvy among the least important sources of wealth but self-awareness
   is among the most?
 * How does one strike a balance between striving for more while being content with
   enough?

This journey memorably contours along three basic shapes: A circle, triangle and
square help us to visualise how we adapt to evolving circumstances, set clear priorities,
and find empowerment in simplicity.

In this accessible and entertaining book, Portnoy reveals that true wealth is achievable
for many – including those who despair it is out of reach – but only in the context
of a life in which purpose and practice are thoughtfully calibrated.

## Reviews

“Good books about money are few and far between. Great books about money – which
provide useful investment analysis and helpful personal insight presented powerfully
and engagingly – are as rare as a bad investment by Warren Buffett, largely because
the universe of terrific writers with the academic power and practical experience
to write such a book is vanishingly small. _The Geometry of Wealth_ is a great book
about money because of who Brian Portnoy is, what he knows, and how well he writes.
Don’t miss it.”
– **Bob Seawright**, Chief Investment Officer, Madison Avenue Securities