In May 2018, Naval Ravikant, the entrepreneur and investor best known for co-founding AngelList, published a now-famous tweetstorm titled "How to Get Rich (without getting lucky)." It was a modern guide to wealth creation—concise, philosophical, and instantly viral.
But in a recent interview on the Modern Wisdom podcast, Naval offered a powerful addition to that tweetstorm:
"If I had to add one thing to my 'How to Get Rich' tweetstorm, it would be: Get comfortable with death."
This single line, delivered casually, holds profound weight—especially for those of us involved in estate planning.
The Original Thread: A Quick Recap
Naval’s tweetstorm broke down the principles of building lasting wealth without relying on luck or shortcuts. It included ideas like:
- Learn to sell and learn to build: These are the two fundamental skills that create leverage.
- Play long-term games with long-term people: Trust compounds.
- Embrace accountability: Take on visible risks to build credibility and opportunity.
- Become the best in the world at what you do: Specific knowledge can't be taught—it must be discovered.
- Arm yourself with leverage: Capital, people, and especially code or media.
The full thread was structured almost like poetry—succinct, bold, and timeless. It has since inspired podcasts, blog posts, infographics, and even a visual guide.
Naval’s New Addition: Why Death Belongs in the Conversation
In the Modern Wisdom podcast, Naval expands beyond wealth. He reflects on mortality, ego, and the illusion of legacy. He suggests that many of our life decisions, especially around accumulation, are driven by a fear of death and a desire to be remembered.
"Legacy is just another form of attachment. You won't be around to enjoy it. Why care what people think of you after you're gone?"
While that perspective may feel counterintuitive, especially in the context of estate planning, it opens an important door.
Legacy vs. Intention: A Reframing
Most estate plans are rooted in a desire to leave something behind. But Naval’s comments challenge us to ask: Are we planning from fear or from clarity?
When we make peace with our mortality, we stop viewing estate planning as a reaction to death. Instead, it becomes a reflection of our values. Not about being remembered, but about making life easier and more secure for the people we love.
This is where estate planning transcends documents and enters the realm of intentional living. The goal isn’t to control the future; it’s to care for it—with thoughtfulness, generosity, and clarity.
Final Thoughts
Naval Ravikant's wealth philosophy isn’t just about financial freedom. It’s about living wisely, letting go of illusions, and focusing on what matters. For those navigating estate decisions, his insights offer an opportunity to reflect:
- What are you really trying to protect?
- What values do you want to pass on?
- What can you release that no longer serves you?
A well-crafted estate plan isn’t about clinging to legacy. It’s about creating peace.
And maybe that's the richest thing we can leave behind.
Nicole Garton is president and co-founder of Heritage Trust.
Recognized by Best Lawyers in Canada for trusts and estates and family law, she previously chaired the Canadian Bar Association Wills and Trusts Subsection (Vancouver).
Contact Nicole by email or phone at (778) 742-5005
Heritage Trust is a leading non-deposit taking financial institution, regulated by the BC Financial Services Authority (BCFSA), a government agency of the Province of British Columbia. Heritage Trust offers caring and professional executor, trustee, power of attorney, committee, escrow and family office services to BC resident clients.
We welcome you to contact us.