“Wealthy people have not disappeared, they are just not so willing to show off their wealth.” – Martin Parr
Very few people know much about the wealthy, but yet they have so much to say and critique about them. Interestingly enough, it may not be the wealthy who are in the wrong, but rather the middle-class individual who critiques someone who is wealthy because he or she acts differently than that person – and the wealthy do act extremely different than others. Here are 3 ways in which the wealthy think differently than their counterparts and the misconceptions about them.
The wealthy believe money is about freedom, not status.
Many middle-class individuals believe that all wealthy individuals crave money in order to be gaudy and show their worth through the clothing they wear and their luxurious life – that is a lie. Of course, there are the few who are ostentatious with their wealth and are annoying but many of them would prefer to be discreet with their riches. The many individuals that I know who are either worth millions or have parents worth millions try not to be blatant about their checkbooks. They wear great quality clothing but they don’t go over the top in order to forcefully stand out. Sometimes they stand out not because of them trying to but because their taste allows them to buy things that others not in their tax bracket can afford – like Chanel bags and designer clothing. Funny enough, it is middle-class individuals who will work day and night to blow their entire paycheck on something they cannot afford in order to stand out from their crowd of other poor people.
Rather, the wealthy believe that by them having a lot of money, they can literally buy freedom. The fact is that you can! With millions (and sometimes billions) in your possession, you can enjoy life rather than survive life by paying bills and working a 9-to-5. It really comes down to upbringing and ambitions. Those who are ambitious tend to aim for freedom, whereas those who do not am for money in order to buy things, not increase their money.
The wealthy are more confident.
Wealthy individuals tend to be generalized as being cocky people who think they are better than everyone else. The fact of the matter is that successful and wealthy people are confident because they repeatedly bet on themselves and they came out with the winning hand. If you consistently had the Midas touch, I don’t think you’d be so down about yourself either.
The wealthy are fearless and it is evident in how they speak about themselves and about life. I personally carry the same traits and it is not something that is forced. I have bet on my own intuition many a time and have come out on top. Believing in my capabilities does no make me arrogant, but rather increasingly confident as the days go by. In a former job of mine, I inquired privately with my manager that I was interested in moving up in my job. I was told that I have great capabilities but I have a “god complex” that would probably be inflated if I received that position. I in fact never had a god complex. I simply was enthusiastic about my future and my ability and the manager did not have the same enthusiasm for herself, therefore, my attitude didn’t resonate with her. Needless to say, I no longer work there and I am worth more than that manager is ten times over.
The wealthy are choosy with their associations.
People who are highly educated and ambitious tend to hang out with those who are on the same wavelength or even higher. The same way skateboarders hang out with fellow skateboarders and gym enthusiasts hang out with gym enthusiasts. It is no different. What does an individual who is passionate about investing have to learn from someone who plays video games all day? Nothing. Therefore, like attracts like.
In different parts of society, the rich are seen as exclusive because they don’t think those who aren’t rich are worth their time. This is false. Millionaires think differently from the middle class about money, and there’s much to be gained by being in their presence. I once worked in a place where once my achievements were exposed, I was seen as the most intelligent in the room. Of course, I shared my knowledge and inspired others, but I soon had to leave that job because I had no one to learn from. Most were learning from me. The job that I am in now, I meet plenty of individuals like me as well as individuals who are multi-millionaires. I learn so much and that is what I enjoy. Sometimes being around people who are not initiated can hold you back from your potential, it is life.
All in all, be aware of how you or others critique the wealthy. Rather than belittling them and scoffing, ask them why they behave the way they do. You might just learn so much that you become the one being asked that question.
Until next time, Live Long and Prosperous.
J.M.
Wealthy Fools 