Wealth plays a significant role in human nature. In the present capitalist economy, wealth in the form of money is the basis of all economic functions. Typically, wealth is regarded as the accumulation of valuable resources. Governments, businesses, and individuals are all governed by money.
A company, government, or individuals are regarded as powerful or influential when they are wealthy. The ones that lack wealth may be overlooked or regarded as underprivileged. It is important to note that wealth is interpreted differently by different groups. Wealth is associated with the abundance of personal desires and financial freedom. Accumulation of wealth may stem from labor, and investment, wealth may be handed down, and wealth may also be stolen.
It is common, especially in the modem capitalist society, to be considered unsuccessful or even unhappy for lacking wealth. One may be considered to lack the relevant values to achieve success. Thus success is measured by the amount of wealth. Wealth governs the world. The more wealthy nations are, the more powerful they are. The ones that lack wealth are more likely to be oppressed or face discrimination. The human experience is dictated by the amount of wealth that one holds. Those that hold more wealth are more likely to have access to more opportunities and preferences.
Comparatively, those that hold little wealth are more susceptible to a limited or economically constrained lifestyle. There is a large gap between the owners of wealth and those that lack it in society. Wealth sustains individuals by providing basic needs that humans need to survive. Accommodation, food, education, and clothing are all reliant on wealth in the form of money. Human behavior may also be dictated by wealth.
The interpretation of culture varies in different cultures. In non –western cultures wealth is viewed on a communal basis as opposed to individual riches. The family and community are important aspects in the motivation to acquire wealth. In the western world, wealth is unlimited. If individuals strive hard enough, they could be wealthy. This may not be the same position in non –western cultures.
In some cultures, wealth is meant to be shared. It is, therefore, limited. When someone accumulates a significant amount of wealth, they are meant to share it with the community. It would be unfair, in these cultures, to deny the poor a share of wealth. However, in the western world, since wealth is associated with working hard, one should not feel guilty for having more than others. Another perception of wealth does not include finances. Some people perceive true wealth to be the fulfillment of one’s desires. This may be physical wealth in terms of health. Good health may be regarded as wealth.
Wealth may also be defined in terms of freedom and happiness. Some people perceive wealth to be non-tangible assets such as friendships, family, faith, and culture. Love, in some cases, is regarded as true wealth. The rationale is that individuals may have all the money they desire but become miserable because they lack love or happiness. Different religious groups may define wealth distinctly. The Sikhs, for example, believe that there is more to wealth than money. The Bible regards true wealth to be the good that one does to the world.
Wealth as a component of human nature has its strengths and weaknesses. As discussed, wealth brings about opportunities and power. Wealth also provides basic human necessities. It is also a source of financial security and freedom. The shortfalls of wealth are that it may be insatiable. Individuals may develop greed and the satisfaction that comes with wealth. This may result in the loss of relationships or direction in life. Wealth may also attract malicious people that seek to benefit from a wealthy person. People tend to treat wealthy people differently. They may even expect expensive items from them.
The feelings are also easily dismissed because society believes that most problems are solved by money. These factors may lead to trust issues and disassociation from society due to the constant judgment. Money earned quickly shall result in losing it quickly. Many jackpot winners or people who stumble on money are more likely to spend a significant amount of the money on lavish items and slowly depreciate the amount. Wealthy people are also subject to constant criticism from the public. Their status is currently reviewed. Wealthy people, therefore, tend to keep secrets to protect themselves from scrutiny.
The multiple disadvantages of wealth hinder people from desperately seeking it. Wealth has several limitations that retrain individuals from benefiting from it. These limitations include the poverty mentality among people. This refers to the belief that one cannot or is incapable of acquiring wealth. Where Individuals look down on their ability to create wealth, they may never achieve it.
Another limitation to wealth is the dependency syndrome. This is especially common in poor communities that believe that the only way to develop is through external help. Such communities may rely on the government, non-governmental organizations, or religious groups. The reliance on charity will be a hindrance to generating wealth. Individuals and communities have to develop a sense of independence and self-reliance to accumulate wealth.
Additionally, poor interpretation of failure is a limitation to wealth. It is essential that people recognize failure as a learning opportunity rather than a weakness. Wealth creating, especially in a competitive world, calls for resilience and innovativeness. Failure is, therefore, to be expected. Some of the greatest innovators practiced resilience and were successful because of it.
Lastly, a lack of personal responsibility is a hindrance to wealth. It is not uncommon for people to blame certain circumstances or people for their misfortunes in life. These people tend to make an excuse for failing to achieve specific goals due to external factors. Taking responsibility allows individuals to hold themselves accountable for their actions. The lacking thereof is a barrier to wealth.
The underlying behaviors related to wealth constitute pride and power. Wealthy people typically acquire special treatment or special opportunities in society because of their status. This may cultivate feelings of pride or arrogance. Wealth may also foster moral entitlement. Wealthy people are aware that they can buy their way out of compromising situations and, therefore, bear less moral responsibility. The power that comes with wealth allows wealthy people to navigate life much easier.
It may also prompt a lower degree of empathy or compassion for others. The lack of resources among poor people compels them to depend on each other. This support fosters a greater emotional intelligence. Rich people may demonstrate a lesser degree of empathy as they have many resources at their disposal. Wealth plays a significant aspect in human nature. It provides many benefits and governs a collective. Although it carries some weaknesses and limitations, it is highly advantageous to human life. Wealth is also interpreted and perceived differently in distinct communities.