Meanwhile, the guy who just wanted to do some farming got all the riches. Make no mistake, the new owner already had money, or he could not have bought the land. There’s nothing in this story to make us think he was dreaming about riches, vast or otherwise.

Was this just another little prank, courtesy of a mischievous Universe? Or is it possible to get good things coming your way with only mild desire — maybe even a calm indifference? Many inspirational writers, including Napoleon Hill, have assured us that a burning desire is one of the prerequisites of acquiring a fortune. I’ve even said it myself, although I added the qualifier that the powerful desire is not so much for the Universe. It’s for you, to help you overcome and battle past your own doubts and resistances.