Fallacy And The Rhetoric on Wealth

© ilhanx

“If you don’t believe it or don’t get it, I don’t have the time to try to convince you, sorry.” - Satoshi Nakamoto

In the course of my life, I have been told various iterations of the same statement - the poor are happier and the wealthy are beset with unhappiness and a lack of contentment. I have heard the argument that wealth causes such disarray in an individual that one benefits, at least spiritually or some other way, of having modest means. The examples to support this stance range from the experiences and quotes from world leaders, celebrities, famous billionaires, etc. 

Firstly, the meaning of wealth and the supposed impact on people differs across individuals, cultures, geopolitical circumstances, etc. Poverty is easily observed across the globe, from refugee camps to the streets of Minneapolis. You don’t need a pass or special access. To deny the impact of poverty is to deny one’s existence. 

Secondly, to tie abundance with mental anguish - one must’ve attained some disposable wealth. Perhaps this narrative comes from those that are plagued with decisions about whichever way to allocate their assets. The ability to make certain decisions comes with privilege. It’s easy to convince those that never tasted these privileges what having money is like. 

Looking back, I have heard this narrative mainly from the poor. However, I hypothesize that the origins of it arose from the few at the top, lest those that are poverty-stricken aspire for more. 

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