In 1970, Paul Orfalea founded Kinko’s, which grew from a single store into a multi-billion dollar business and became known as one of the best places to work, according to Forbes. When asked about his goals, Orfalea famously responded, “One day I want to have an apartment on the moon with a huge dome glass ceiling, and I want to invite friends over for a dinner party, look out on the globe of the earth, and say, ‘See that planet? It’s also part of my portfolio.’”
Orfalea’s ambition is a testament to the drive for success that many people share. But when do we know we have truly achieved success? Is it when we’ve fulfilled every desire? When our bank accounts overflow? Or is it something more profound?
The story of Adam in the Garden of Eden offers a powerful perspective on this question. God created the perfect paradise for Adam, providing everything he could ever want or need. He had abundant food, shelter, and a companion in Eve. Yet, despite having everything in the world, there was one thing Adam couldn’t have: the fruit from the tree of knowledge. This one restriction—the one thing he was told not to take—became the very thing he was drawn toward.
This story highlights a crucial lesson in life: there has to be a point when we say, “Enough.” At some point, we must recognize that we have enough—our needs are met, and our desires are satiated. In a world where consumerism often pushes us to always want more, the story of Adam teaches us about the danger of never feeling content with what we have.
This concept is echoed in the Bible in the story of Jacob and Esav. When they meet after years of separation, Jacob says to Esav, “I have all.” Esav, however, replies, “I have most.” Esav’s response reflects the mindset of never having enough—always yearning for more, constantly pursuing wealth and possessions. Jacob, on the other hand, understands the value of contentment. He has reached a place where his desires are fulfilled, and he is able to say, “I have enough.”
The Bible also reinforces this idea in the teachings of the Rabbis: “Who is wealthy? One who has enough.” True wealth is not measured by how much we possess, but by our ability to appreciate what we have and recognize it as a blessing. Too often, we become consumed by the desire for more, thinking that additional wealth or possessions will bring us happiness. But, as the Bible teaches, there must be a moment when we stop and say, “This is enough.”
However, the Bible also encourages the accumulation of wealth, but with a critical distinction: it should always be used to make the world a better place, not as an end in itself. The forefathers of the Bible—Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob—were all wealthy men, but their wealth was not just for personal gain. It was used to draw people in, to spread goodness, and to serve a greater purpose. They understood that wealth should be a tool for creating a positive impact, not an endless pursuit for its own sake.
Adam, in the Garden of Eden, was missing the understanding of “enough.” Despite having everything he needed, the one fruit he couldn’t have became the object of his desire. His failure to appreciate the abundance around him led to the fall. The lesson is clear: true fulfillment comes not from accumulating more, but from recognizing and appreciating what we already have.
In a society driven by materialism and the endless pursuit of more, the biblical lesson of “enough” is more relevant than ever. It calls us to pause, reflect, and recognize that contentment is not about having everything but appreciating what we do have. By learning the value of enough, we can find true peace and prosperity.
