Does money really "change" people?
A friend and I were talking about the misfortunes of a filthy rich but miserable acquaintance, and she said, "You know, he wouldn't be so messed up if he didn't have all that money." Simply put, his wealth enables him to live a certain way and ignore the honest opinions of others because he doesn't NEED those people in his life. (At least until he runs out of money LOL.)
I agree with her, but I also believe a statement credited to Will Smith, that money does not change a person, but only amplifies what is already there.
This is not sour grapes talking...I'd actually like to see this man happy, but it seems the more time he spends as an untouchable man with money to blow, the worse he gets. Maybe that was his Fate in life. It is very sad though.
Re: Does money really "change" people?
Yes, it can fuck people up if they don't know how to deal with it. I've seen unlimited funds mess with a friend. And it made me sad, too.
Others, though, do just fine. And oddly I have seen no correlation with their background (whether they grew up with a lot or a little) and how they handle it as adults. I totally agree with the surrounding yourself with people who only say what you want to hear thing--happens a lot. Probably what happens to athletes who hit the bigtime and blow it.
Re: Does money really "change" people?
I do think it changes people. Sometimes for the better but all too often for the worse.
I think what it really comes down to is how a person chooses to use their money.
Re: Does money really "change" people?
The rich have problems which they bought, and the poor have problems which they can't afford.
Further elucidation.
The rich, as Veblen has said, is affected with "conspicuous consumption". They always buy for staus, prestige, luxury and often end up living beyond their means.
The poor have nothing, if they get sick, in a bad accident, whoops, there goes their bank account.
My sister once accused my grandfather of dressing so shabby, especially when he could have afforded much much better. My grandfather sole defense was he was born poor, he still thought "poor".
Maybe that is what the problem is, people thinking changes when they go from poor to rich. Sometimes.
Re: Does money really "change" people?
I think base values change very little regardless of accumulated wealth or social status.
People who become Asshats when they get rich (or come into money for a time) were usually Asshats before, but too consumed with the quest for the almighty dollar to dedicate extra time to being the Jerks that they truly are.
Just my $0.02
Re: Does money really "change" people?
Quote:
money does not change a person, but only amplifies what is already there.
this is exactly how I feel. I think if you have a good amount of money you have more freedom to be what you truly are where as if you are broke you sort of have to kiss ass more to survive. I've known well to do people that were cool as hell and others who were snotty assholes. It all depends on the person.
One guy I knew who had a dad who bought him a new porsche and his sister a new bmw was the sweetest most laid back guy you could meet. Something he told me his dad said put it this way. Look at how someone treats the guy who cleans the toilets or the man who washes the dishes in the restaurant where you eat or has some other peon job. THAT shows you what kind of person that they are. When you see someone treat others well that are "below them" on a social level and they really don't HAVE to even give the time of day you can tell that they are a really good person.
Re: Does money really "change" people?
Since this has been brought up, have any of you ever give consideration of what you would do if you ever won the lottery? I mean for example, think about the dilemnia you would have buying Christmas presents for your loved ones.
Sure, you could afford pretty much anything. But if you decide to be generous with your new found wealth, you'd be accused of showing off. If you decdied to be modest, and buy what you could have bought before you were rich, you'd be accused of being stingy.
Now try to imagine the same scenario, except that your loved one is the big lottery winner, and you're the one receiving the Christmas present.
Sometimes I think money doesn't just change the people who have it, but the people around them who do not as well.
Re: Does money really "change" people?