I think the theme of Iyer's essay is that experiences, relationships, and people are far more important than money. Maung Maung works his whole life taking jobs that don't pay well, but he is happy with what he has. He's able to meet new people, write, tell stories, get educated, and act humbly.
Language use that struck me as effective was when Maung Maung said, "I do not want to inflict harm on any living creature. If I hit horse in this life, in next life I come back as horse" (page 20). He is Buddhist, and set in his beliefs. This shapes him into the kind of person he is.
Another part of the story I found interesting was that Maung Maung's greatest dream is to get a further certificate in mathematics and invite his parents to Mandalay to express his gratitude to them. This shows that family and education are more valuable than material goods.
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