I think it's important to have some perspective here. The fact that all of us here are typing on this board means that we all have a computer. Here's another fact. If you have any money at all in your wallet and any kind of bank account regardless of how much is in there, you are among the wealthiest 8% of the Earth's population. Now, really stop and think about that for a second. Then think about the Rwandan man who had his foot sawed off with a dull knife in a Rwandan court because he was caught stealing a loaf of bread to feed his family. Compare our pursuit and questioning of happiness and wealth with a large portion of the planet that lives in apathy and utterly without hope. We here in America and other wealthy countries often measure our happiness relative to a very narrow vision of what we see around us, rather than the actual reality in the larger sense. We look at the rare .001% of the U.S. population, i.e. the moguls, CEO's, celebrities, etc., and we compare our lot to THAT??? All of us here, by virtue of the simple fact that we have the leisure time to post our rants and chatter here, are at the upper end of human existence, and by all rights should be on balance among the happiest people on Earth. It sometimes may be hard to see that when trying to figure out how to pay the mortgage, etc, and surely it leads to stress, but relative to people in the world who actually live in such apathy that death would be a welcome respite, it's really not so bad. Would I like a bigger house, a new car, and to not worry about the monthly household budget? Sure. But damned if I'm not grateful, thankful and happy for everything I have right now. BTW, this post not directed at anyone in particular, just some observations.
I saw something the other day regarding food. In caveman days it took most of one's waking hours to find something to eat. Now you can buy a bag of flour that costs less than $1, has enough calories to feed several people for days, and can be paid for by working a fraction of an hour. Now I'm trying not to eat so many carbs these days, but relatively speaking we've got it made. Traveler
zboy2854A, Good post. Here's something I believe. Although it may be true that those of us who are not rich are still in the top wealthiest 8% in the world, that's the big picture. I believe how someone feels is still relative to their own life. For example, we all know about the rich and famous movie stars that complain about their problems and we don't feel bad for them. However, they can still have real problems in their life. Bill Gates can still have a bad day even though he's so successful. So although I may not be starving in Africa, some things in my life can still frustrate me. That being said, it's true that my problems are not that bad compared to others. However, as a human being, my emotions don't always account for the big picture and I can still be frustrated.
Not having money makes it hard to live life comfortably. Having money makes it easy to live life comfortably, without worry. This doesn't make u happy, its just a relief to not have worry, struggles etc. Happiness goes beyond pulling a nail out of your foot.
What percentage of the population would even recognize Michael Dell? Probably less than 5% I'd say. You've all heard of those surveys saying that most cannot find known countries on maps. I'd say that general ignorance would translate into relative anonymity for people like Dell.
some people would consider 1 million free and clear rich. i would consider myself monetarily rich with 25 million free and clear. what about you guys ?? surfer
You wouldn't be trading for the money, so what's left. EGO. Trading for the ego, getting off on being a big fish in a big pond. The oldest motivator in the book. ME? Give me a billion and you'll never see my face again around these parts