In this second motivational video clip, Mordechai Weinberger, LCSW, discusses the Famous Penny Doubled Theory.
The Penny Doubled Theory states that if are given a choice to either take $1,000,00.00 today or rather take a penny that doubles itself each day for 31 days. Which would you choose? If you chose the penny doubled, then you chose well. A penny doubled after 31 days will be worth $10,737,418.24!
The lesson from this mathematical fact, is that so many of us get caught up in the moment. We want to make the quick deal. We want a close emotional relationship with our spouse and children. However, we aren’t willing to invest the time to allow these relationships to grow and sprout. The lesson is that slow and steady does win the race. So start investing your penny today and reap the words in 31 days!
The seforim say that this is in connection with his choosing Olam Hazeh, as opposed to Olam Haba. Yaakov chose Olam Haba; he is willing to wait, as he understands the above calculation. Yet, the Vilna Gaon says, one needs a bit of a hint of the ‘payment’; it is hard to go for 75-100 years without anything. Therefore, he says, in keping of mitzvos; specifically those that are Me’in Olam Haba (Torah and Shabbos, I beleive he says), one receives a taste of that reward. And, of course, the brachos that the Torah promises for keeping all mitzvos, such as in Vehaya Im Shemo’a.