Dejan and Elena were sitting at a table in a small café, right across from the majestic Cathedral of Christ's Resurrection in Podgorica. The warm winter light illuminated their coffee cups as visitors passed by them, a mix of tourists and locals. The scent of incense from the cathedral subtly blended with the aroma of freshly brewed coffee.
Dejan, leaning back in his chair and gazing at the cathedral's dome, said:
"You know, Elena, once again, managing possessions isn't just about owning things. I've seen people who have everything one could wish for—villas, yachts, art collections—and yet, instead of using those possessions, they become slaves to them. They spend all their time on maintenance, solving problems, and worrying."
Elena, smiling gently as she stirred sugar into her coffee, replied thoughtfully:
"Yes, that's the irony. When possessions outgrow one's competence, they become a burden. I remember a family that inherited an old house in the centre of Belgrade. Instead of renovating and using it, they constantly argued about who would pay the taxes, who would handle the repairs. In the end, they sold it for a pittance because no one had the strength to take responsibility."
Dejan nodded. "Exactly. People often buy things without thinking about how they'll integrate them into their lives. I have an acquaintance in New York. He bought a smart home filled with robots for every possible task, from cleaning to cooking. But instead of making his life easier, he constantly had issues with system synchronization and repairs. In the end, he admitted, he spent more time maintaining those robots than he ever would have, doing the tasks manually."
Elena, nodding in agreement:"Automation is great, but it teaches responsibility. If you don't take care of your possessions, they become a burden. I think the key is moderation and awareness. For example, when I bought my first car, I realized how important it was to maintain it regularly, plan for expenses, and know when it was time to replace it. That awareness later extended to many other aspects of my life."
Dejan, smiling:"That reminds me of political systems that enforce equality but in ways that stifle growth. Do you remember the story about the Soviet hockey team? In one of their matches against the Canadian team, the Soviets dominated thanks to exceptional individual skills. However, after a break, pressure from authorities pushed them to play 'collectively,' without highlighting individuals. In the end, they lost because the team lost its natural dynamics."
Elena, with a hint of sadness in her voice:"Yes, that's a classic example of how the strength of a system can be used to suppress individual talent. People are naturally free and creative, but somehow, many choose the path of bureaucracy. They sell their time, become part of a system that pushes them into uniformity, and then, dissatisfied, they become secret entrepreneurs within that same bureaucracy. That's not freedom; that's a trap."
Dejan:"That's the most dangerous thing. When talent is stifled, when individuality is minimized, everyone loses. The strong become frustrated, and the weaker ones never reach their full potential. It's like having fertile soil but covering it with concrete. Nothing can grow."
Elena, leaning on the table and looking at him directly:"But isn't it fascinating how, with a little awareness and order, everything can thrive? I look at this cathedral. Its beauty isn't just in the architecture but in the order, the harmony of every stone, every line. When a person builds their life on stable foundations, creativity and freedom come naturally."
Dejan, glancing back at the cathedral:"Exactly. Possessions, whether robots, houses, or our own talents, should serve us, not the other way around. That's the art of life: knowing how to use what you have in a way that liberates you, not confines you."
As they spoke, the sun slowly set behind the cathedral, leaving golden traces on its domes. Their conversation, filled with understanding and warmth, reflected the peace and clarity both had found in their lives. In the ensuing silence, it seemed they had become part of that harmony themselves.
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