To Be Wealthy, Essay Example

The phenomenon of wealth is usually associated with financial well-being and facilities which it promises to the owner. Nevertheless, it may surely evoke unambiguous approaches.

In the yearly Legatum Prosperity Index, Inboden and Streeter (2009) assess the global wealth and well-being according to economic fundamentals, entrepreneurship and innovation, democratic institutions, personal freedom, social capital, education, health system, safety and security, and governance (Inboden and Streeter 3). Therefore, prosperity includes not only the financial aspects, but also how the money impacts the level of life.

Nevertheless, personal wealth is primarily equal to incredible sums of money. This approach assumes certain interdependence between the amount of money on the personal account and happiness. The numerous causes why people crave for affluence seem to be obvious. Nearly all attributes of well-to-do life seem attractive, because money can make many things available. People who would like to be wealthy explain their wish by hundreds of reasons: financial freedom, magnificent household, the most prestigious educational institutions, good healthcare, and all possible hobbies. Besides, money seems to be able to realize any unreal dream, like purchase of an island or flight to the Moon.

On the other hand, the effect the money has on one’s life is not always beneficial. One of the brightest examples is unexpected wealth gained overnight. It may become an unmanageable ordeal. People who have no experience of managing enormous sums waste the lottery winning quickly; they often return to the previous or even worse financial condition. Therefore, happiness and comfort with enormous or just sufficient belongings play a significant role. In starving countries, money that is enough for some food is real wealth.

When a man reaches a desired level of well-being he may consent himself with what he has at the moment. Thus, the target is accomplished. What next? The neighbor’s yacht, mansion, or automobile may seem better. In this case, capitals are involved in rivalry who can buy the most expensive thing. Chris Crawford (2000) claims that accumulation has nothing to do with happiness when it ends in itself; a man has “to be happy in achieving, rather than achieving to be happy” (Crawford 20).

The next negative effects wealth often provides are problems and misunderstanding with family and friends. Untold wealth often impacts the attitude of the people around, even the nearest and dearest. Fear of being loved for the amount of money, or a marvelous house, or many cars constantly accompanies the personal relations of the rich. Heidi L. Steiger, the author of Wealthy and Wise: Secrets about Money, asked her adult children to recall some moments from childhood connected with the family’s prosperity. Her daughter thought of the times when schoolmates began to treat her differently when learnt about the family’s wealth (Steiger 17). It may be explained by the fact that most people condemn wealth, while longing for it. It is hard to object to Stephenson (2002) who states that according to the Bible, wealth is not to criticize, but to treat it appropriately. Firstly, it means not to put it at the head of everything (Stephenson 174).

The above mentioned statements point at both advantages and negative aspects of being wealthy. Money helps to get a decent education, to set up luxurious household, to obtain perfect medical care. On the other hand, it cannot guarantee extraordinary intellectual development, happy family life in a mega-house, or absolute health. Therefore, economic status is not equal to the “level” of happiness. The rich face the same psychological problems, as the poor do; they also experience depressions and stresses. They may feel frustrated, afraid, and nervous. From this standpoint, money does not make them feel happier.

Works Cited

Crawford, Christ. Happiness is everything. Haverford, PA: Infinity Publishing, May 2000.  

Inboden,William, and Streeter, Ryan. 2009 Legatum Prosperity Index.  London, UK: Legatum Institute.2009. Web. 10 Oct. 2010.

Steiger, Heidi L., ed. Wealthy and wise: secrets about money. Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley and Sons, 2003. Print.

Stephenson, Ralph L. The Biblical guide to wealth, health, and happiness. Victoria, BC, Canada: Trafford Publishing, 2002.