Philosophy of debt

Dear Friend,

When I heard that life had forced you—quite unfairly—into taking your first-ever loan, and that your conscience has been feeling the weight of it, I decided to write. Not just to reassure you, but to introduce you to the less explored, and far more enjoyable, philosophy of debt.

First things first: quiet your conscience by reminding it that there are plenty of worries in this world besides paying back what you owe. Then make peace with the fact that whoever came up with the phrase “debt is a curse” was no friend of human happiness, economic growth, or personal comfort.

If guilt insists on returning, stand in front of a mirror and say—three times, with feeling—“What’s done is done.” The sense of peace that follows cannot be bought with sleeping pills, vitamins, or wellness subscriptions.

This wisdom comes from a long and distinguished family tradition. It was handed down to us by Munshi Faqeera Sahib, chief aide to the Nawab of Kala Pani, and officially endorsed in public court. The Nawab guarded his secrets carefully, but somehow our Family of Borrowers earned special access.

We’ve passed this formula down for generations. When a family elder dies, the eldest son inherits three things: a list of people who still haven’t been borrowed from, a set of tried-and-tested borrowing techniques, and this sacred mantra.

Now that you’ve joined the unofficial—but very crowded—Association of Borrowers and Defaulters, it’s only right that I share this with you. Used properly, it will remove all mental barriers to future loans.

Please don’t lose sleep over repayment. Come visit me sometime—I’ll show you boxes of ledgers and bags of letters with names stretching from South Asia to Central Asia and beyond. Our ancestors went to remarkable lengths to borrow from every corner of the map.

Once, my grandfather overheard a man mention—foolishly—that he had ten extra rupees and was looking for someone deserving. By that night, the money had found its purpose. It was taken as a loan, not charity. The lender passed away still expecting repayment. My grandfather mourned respectfully, and then thanked his luck.

Now that you’ve entered the valley of debt, don’t waste time looking for an exit. Enjoy what borrowed money brings—eat well, live well, and share it with your family. At least this way, when it’s all over, you won’t say you never enjoyed yourself.

Your faithful friend,
Nadan Udhari Muhajir Meerthi
Currently Residing in Badhal Pura