The 5 Reasons Why It is Essential to Be Rich!
Why do people yearn to be rich?
Contrary to popular belief, being rich does not necessarily promise happiness or fulfillment. Take Patrizia Reggiani, the wife of Maurizio Gucci, who famously said, "I would rather cry in my Rolls-Royce than laugh on a bicycle" — and later murdered him. Despite the risks—stress, competition, taxes, lawsuits, fraud, cyberattacks, natural disasters, family disputes, inheritance squabbles—most of us would still choose wealth over poverty.
What Fuels this Obsession to Be Rich?
The song "If I Were a Rich Man" from Fiddler on the Roof offers some clues. Tevye starts by dreaming of a luxurious life filled with material possessions, like a big house with countless rooms, a yard teeming with poultry. But as the song progresses, he starts fantasizing about the status and recognition wealth could bring. He imagines his wife, Golde, living like a rich man's wife and the town's VIPs seeking his wisdom simply because he is rich.
But at its core, Tevye’s dream is about attaining financial security and freedom—having enough to not only meet basic needs but also to pursue personal passions and dreams. In his case, that means hours every day to sit in the synagogue and dive into holy discussions with learned men.
So Why the Judgment?
Instead of dismissing those who aim to be rich, let us examine the reasons behind this aspiration. People generally want to be rich to:
- Achieve financial security and freedom.
- Provide for their families and loved ones.
- Enjoy a luxurious and extravagant lifestyle.
- Gain status and recognition.
- Make a positive impact on the world.
The Twist in the Tale
It is essential to remember that the building blocks of happiness does not require a fat bank account. The material goods—jets, yachts, mansions, jewelry, cars—are merely benchmarks we set for ourselves, often driven by personal greed or even a skewed sense of self-worth.
So, let us all ponder the allure of wealth, and remember that it is not just about the money, but what the money enables us to do.
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