The Soul of Money: Lessons That Changed How I View Wealth

I love the book The Soul of Money by Lynne Twist. It’s one of those rare books I believe everyone should read. Since I know many people may not get around to reading the whole thing, I want to share a few of the powerful insights it offers — and what I’ve personally learned from it.

Reading this book, I found myself wishing I had written it. As someone who’s passionate about helping others improve their relationship with money, I’ve long felt that many of the ideas in this book reflect what I believe to be true. Lynne Twist, with her background at The Hunger Project, brings a unique perspective shaped by working with both those who have great wealth and those with very little. Through that experience, she came to understand the patterns, mindsets, and shared human desires on both ends of the financial spectrum.

To learn more or get the book yourself, visit www.soulofmoney.org.

Why This Book Resonated So Deeply

One quote from Lynne Twist sums up the spirit of the book beautifully:

“Everyone wants to love and be loved and make a difference with their lives.”

I wholeheartedly agree. When we lead with love — in our work, relationships, and financial lives — we can create meaningful change. Even small acts, done with intention and love, can ripple outward in profound ways. Never underestimate your power or the impact you have on others: your friends, family, clients, co-workers, and community.

Twist also writes:

“When people were able to align their money with their deepest, most soulful interests and commitments, their relationship with money became a place where profound and lasting transformation could occur.”

This idea of alignment — between money and values — is transformative. And it’s available to everyone, regardless of how much money they have.

Three Toxic Money Myths That Hold Us Back

Lynne Twist identifies three dominant cultural myths about money — myths rooted in scarcity and fear. Recognizing and challenging these beliefs is the first step toward transforming our relationship with money.

“There’s Not Enough”

This is the belief that resources are limited, so we must compete to get what we want. It breeds fear and comparison, often leading us to make choices we’re not proud of. If you win, someone else must lose.
In contrast, I encourage you to adopt a win-win mindset — a belief that there is enough for everyone. This aligns with Stephen Covey’s concept of abundance thinking, opening the door to collaboration, generosity, and trust.

“More Is Better”

This myth is deeply ingrained in American culture. It shows up as the constant chase for more — more money, more stuff, a bigger house, a newer car. We often measure success or self-worth by what we own or our net worth.
But this mindset leads to chronic dissatisfaction. It keeps us striving instead of enjoying what we already have. We lose touch with the present moment. I often encourage clients to pause and ask:

• What is enough?
• Do I really need more?
• What is the cost to my time, energy, and well-being in the pursuit of more?

 

For example: Do I truly need a six-bedroom, six-bathroom house for just me and my spouse?

The good news? I believe a cultural shift is happening. More people are questioning the “more is better” narrative and prioritizing time, relationships, and well-being over material accumulation.

“That’s Just the Way It Is”

This myth leaves us feeling powerless. We believe we can’t change our financial situation or influence the larger economy. So we give up, go with the flow, and stop trying.

But accepting “that’s just the way it is” is a form of surrender. It’s giving up your power and agency. The truth is: you can choose to think differently, act differently, and make a difference — for yourself and others. Even small changes can have a ripple effect.

Final Thoughts: Rewriting the Story of Money

Money is a man-made tool, created to facilitate the exchange of goods and services — not a measure of your worth, success, or potential. The beliefs we attach to it are just that: beliefs. And beliefs can be challenged, reshaped, and transformed.

I challenge you to reflect on these three myths. How do they show up in your life? In your community? In your decisions?

What if you believed there is enough?
What if you stopped chasing more and started defining enough for yourself?
What if you took back your power from “the way it is” and created your own path?

I’d love to hear your thoughts on these ideas — whether you’ve read the book or not. Let’s start a conversation that shifts our relationship with money from one of fear and scarcity to one of trust, purpose, and possibility.