Do you hate rich people?

[alexb5784]

I made this post about 6 months ago and people are still talking about it! I've been away for a while (3 months), but I can see that there are still some great conversations going on in here.

- Alex

[Chloe]

Very interesting post. I definitely do NOT hate rich people.

That would be pure ENVY for sure. What other reason can there be? I would not feel comfortable feeling envy. Yes, it is natural for us all to feel a little bit of envy at certain times in life but not to the extent to which you HATE somebody else for something they have.

Absolutely true what you say that there is no way anyone is going to be manifesting more money when they hate rich people! Total conflict - how can you become something when you hate what it stand for.

The best way to manifest money, i've found, is to literally 'make friends' with money so to speak. Each time you spend it, thank the universe that you have the money to buy what it is you have just bought. Show gratitude and positivity - get rid of all those negative thoughts like 'why is everything so expensive', 'I wish I didn't have to waste my money on this' etc. Think with abundance.

[Sean.M.Connelly]

Originally Posted by alexb5784

I believe that it's not the money, but rather the person. If you're kind, you're kind, no matter how much money you have. And if you're mean, you're mean, no matter how broke or wealthy you are!

I like rich people. And I'm looking forward to continuing to increase my income in 2007, because I provide value to others. And if I want to make more $$$ I can. And if you want to make more, then you can too

I like your post. However, I'm a nit-picker :-P.

You're contradicting yourself. It doesn't look like it on the surface, but you are. Let me see if I can explain...

In the first paragraph that I quoted, you realize that rich people are just people, and whoever you are as a person is independent of how wealthy you are.

Immediately after that, you state that you like rich people.

So - first you are saying that there is no rich people, just people. Then you are saying that you like rich people. How can you like rich people when being rich isn't something that defines someone?

The way I look at it is similar to your views, with a slight distinction. I agree that kind people are kind, despite their wealth. And mean people are mean, despite their wealth. People are just people. I agree.

But now we can't say that we like rich people because they're rich. A rich person is a poor person is a kind person is a mean person. If you want to BE RICH... then BE RICH. If you like rich people, then you are putting "rich people" outside of yourself, and liking that external idea. If you want to be rich, then start liking yourself, and liking yourself as rich.

Maybe that made sense :-P.

~Sean

[hollowman]

Thank you, Alex and Dani. I find ur essay very enlightening. In fact i am sharing ur thoughts with other people.

I guess it's our human nature to overlook the good in other people and over-emphasise their weaknesses. I mean we fail to appreciate the many good and generous rich people out there. Rather we point our fingers at those rich guys who misuse their power and money etc in negative ways.

The many posts regarding this topic has changed my views about the rich people.

Thank you all very much.

[webwhiting]

Hello,

No, I don't hate rich/wealthy people. They just capitalized on opportunities and tried to miss little to no opportunities when it was presented to them. Also most wealthy people worked very hard to get to where they are. Even those that inherited wealth still have to work at it.

For any one of us to get to that level of wealth we have to work as hard as they did and not miss opportunities.

"The secret of success in life is for a man to be ready for his opportunity when it comes." -Benjamin Disraeli (1804-1881)

Infodocktor

[Enoch Tan]

Your relationship with money is also reflected by your relationship with rich people. Rich people admire other rich people. Poor people resent other rich people. Other people are extensions of yourself. If you think bad of rich people, you would subconsciously prevent yourself from becoming rich because you are resisting having the same identity. You can’t be rich if you think bad of rich people but you think of yourself as good. How can you possibly learn from or be inspired by someone you put down?

Practice admiring, blessing and loving rich people. Bless that which you want. It is not enough to bless money, but you also have to bless those that have it. You need to be a rich person in order to have plenty of money. Imagine yourself having it as well and you will bless those that have it. Whenever you think thoughts of resentment about a rich person making more money than they deserve or you are judging their intentions, immediately switch to thinking thoughts of praise, admiration and support for them.

[aSearchingSoul]

You should get to know some wealthy people. If you know one, or two, and have had bad experiences, simply go meet more. It won't take much for you to realize that many wealthy people are more humble, thankful, and helpful than you may think.
Then, at least, you would have a firsthand frame of reference and it could help expedite the changing of your thoughts on "rich people" in the positive direction.
I could write a ton on the subject, but many people have already responded with some very good information.

On the subject of goals in general, I would say that you must learn how to handle your negative thoughts as positively and efficient and possible. When a negative thought occurs, realize it, remove it, and allow it to be replaced by positive thoughts, especially those that deal with one or some of your goals.

[Jack]

I don't hate rich people

[BladeRunner]

Rich People are people who are not you having something you don't have.

You are not them and you have something they don't have.

What is it?

Dex

[Twain]

Hi,

I don't want to envy or hate rich people, since I know those emotions are not constructive in any way. I just can't help it sometimes. I am a professional, recent graduate and I am struggling financially. All my money goes to bills and I do work hard. I am not lazy.

I read that Paris Hilton spent $20,000 in 30 minutes on designer clothing and accessories. She spent almost the amount of money I make in a year after taxes without batting an eye. If I spend $20, I can get into a negative balance in my checking account. Yes, she gave those store owners and designer clothing company business but still, I would like to have some fun for a change with my money and give those people business too!

I am fortunate that I am not in abject poverty and I am not homeless, but still--working just to pay bills doesn't seem satisfying. I just wanted to vent...

[RT Wolf]

^ Beliefs. Beliefs. Beliefs.

Question why you are not making the income you want, or why you can't seem to get out from under the bills. Perhaps you would just like to improve your money management skills, or perhaps make osme investments (its never too early to start investing for your golden years).

might want to have a look at I will teach you to be rich.

[Lucas]

I used to hate rich people, until I realized that it was not a problem I had with them, but a problem I had with me! Once I took responsibility for my life I found that I felt like the world owed me, and because I was born into poverty, then the world should somehow give me all I want. Now I go and get what I want instead of waiting for it. I also prefer to hang around affluent folks because it helps me rid my negative money beliefs as well as enables that affluence to rub off on me!

[SuperManny]

I was listening to a seminar once by T Harv Eker, and he said (jokingly) he was going to start selling bumper stickers that simply say SUPPORT THE RICH!

I definitely don't hate them. If it weren't for them I'd have to pay a lot more taxes!

[jawillie]

I grew up in a mining city, too (I read someone else did, as well). So, I grew up with the beliefs that "nothing is free" and "you have to work your finger to the bone to get ahead." And, yes, middle-class people looked down to rich people, "What do THEY know? THEY don't know reality!!!"

However, in my early 20's I became a nanny for a few wealthy families. One family is quite famous, actually, and they have annual "money meetings" in NY with extended family to make sure inheritances are still in tact, what charities to involve the family name in, etc...

I have to say... being rich is fun!!! I don't see what is so "bad" about it anymore. They love, hurt, cry, and feel just like everyone I know. Some of their friends were annoying and pretentious, but then, some middle-class people I know are quite annoying and pretentious, too!! And for some, let's add bitter.... they are bitter that they don't have what "they" have.

I am also learning not to GASP when they spend thousands and thousands of dollars on something perceived as "frivolous." That is putting a limit on myself. Now, I am looking at things and saying, "Yeah... I would spend $20,000 on that!" Or, "Why not get a room for $15,000/night, how FUN!"

[Babyspikes]

Originally Posted by Dani

Keith,

A very negative outlook on that. You make it sound like anytime you recieve money you are actually depriving someone of something. taking it from them without providing anything.

A 'dollar' is simply an expression of value.

Every -honest- wealthy person recieves their money by providing value to others.

So wealthy MUST seperate themselves from the chronically poor unless they want to become poor. The poor blame the rich, but really they don't want a rich person hanging out with them either. Because they get intimidated and angry that they wont pander to their self pity.

Attitudes like this are typical of Americans:

Typical of the atrocious IGNORANCE of our own financial system.
Pathological envy of MONEY and what it can buy.
Complete DISREGARD for the plight of the masses.

The truth

Money has nothing to do with value. Money is a debt instrument. It is the mirror image of debt. If someone has a positive monetary balance, someone else has a negative balance. And no amount of hard work, positive thinking, or "value" can change that. It's just how the system works.

MONEY is not WEALTH. In fact, it's usually just the opposite. Activities that are the most socially and environmentally destructive usually have the highest monetary value. In other words, human and environmental exploitation is the easiest way to pay the bank back, and create a positive return on capital ( at someone else's expense, of course).

Americans have completely sold their souls. The envy of wealth has destroyed America and good values. While Americans continue their race to the bottom, the powerful will divide, conquer, and dismantle America, piece and piece, and no one will even care. I'm amazed at how little Americans know about what is happening around them, to other people in the neighborhood, the country, or the world. America has become a nation of good Germans whose enemy are their own countrymen. Sad but true.

To all the wealth zombies floating about. Have a good nights sleep.

[Toni has wings]

Wow. Quite a broad brush there, Babyspikes.

I'm very glad I don't live in your world.

[jacare]

As I've mentioned here, I have a software company. It's successful, and it's been an arduous ride. In my travels, and in my business, I've made it a point to regularly consort with multimillionaires. And I've made a study of them because I intend on being one myself.

Most millionaires are very smart. And most are very generous, many donate money and other things because they know it's part of the wealth program. It simply works to increase your wealth to donate a part of it. But my point is this: In business, your job is to create advantage for yourself. Be wary of business with millionaires because they are very clever, and have paid their dues. There are win/win situations of course, and you can strive for that. But if you are not careful, you can get fleeced, as I have on at least two occasions before I wised up. Now there are many millionaires who are not active in business, but who own a portfolio of stocks, bonds, real estate, etc. and this does not necessarily apply to them. But when you are on the side of the transaction with the bulk of the cash, you are at a distinct advantage.

So, in summary, millionaires are just people like anybody else. But when it comes time for contracts, be very careful, not many people got wealthy being dumb.

[MacFly]

I actually love them.

[Ace22]

When it comes to wealth; there are two basic mind sets:

1. The abundance mentality

2. Deficiency motivation


The abundance mentality says there's enough riches to go around. This mind set believes that wealth flows freely and you just need to stick your net out and grab some.

Dificiency motivation is common in the animal world. You see it when a dog is being fed and you try to take their bowl away. This mind set believes there is only so much of the pie to go around and you better get what you can and throw your elbows at anyone else that comes near your booty. (stash)

People with DM will say to a co-worker who gets an award: "oh I'm so happy for you", but deep inside they're anger is growing. They feel the award should have been theirs. When they were growing up, their parents usually dished out love and affection based on competition. Who cleaned their room better, who did more house work, who got better grades. DM people take this with them into their adult lives.

[Babyspikes]

Originally Posted by Ace22

When it comes to wealth; there are two basic mind sets:

1. The abundance mentality

2. Deficiency motivation

My original post was to debunk many of these unconscientious attitudes.

Money (wealth) is not a mind set. It is not imagination. In our ego driven society, it may seem that way. But we are all playing the same game of musical chairs.

In reality, money is an institution.

Do you think that 90 percent of the world is poor and getting their labor and resources stolen because they are not "thinking right". I don't think so.

[Ace22]

Originally Posted by Babyspikes

My original post was to debunk many of these unconscientious attitudes.

Money (wealth) is not a mind set. It is not imagination. In our ego driven society, it may seem that way. But we are all playing the same game of musical chairs.

In reality, money is an institution.

Do you think that 90 percent of the world is poor and getting their labor and resources stolen because they are not "thinking right". I don't think so.

I never said money or wealth was a mindset. I said there were 2 mindsets, meaning paradigms or perceptions towards money. Money is nothing more than an agreed value system used as a tool for society. Most money doesn't even exist such as FIAT money.

As for the 90 percent of the world that you call poor; I would ask you to define poor. I believe the richest person in the world is he who has nothing to lose. Do you measure wealth in dollars and cents or by freedom and liberty? Do you own your possesions or they own you?

What were you saying about 90 per cent of the world?

[livinlife232]

Originally Posted by Dani

Money is only scarce for those people who are not providing value. If you want more money, it's very simple. Provide more value than you are currently getting paid for.

.

Im very young in this philosophy and truly wanted to learn. Do you think a model in europe who earns thousands of dollars an hour provides more value than a teacher in the Philippines who teaches 150 students under a scorching sun? Maybe the world's values are twisted that a lot of people find it hard to subscribe to this philosophy. Hugh Hefner is a millionaire compared to say mother teresa or mahatma gandhi. Is it because the world values what HH can offer than spiritual masters and modern day heroes?

[Acting Like Godot]

It is quite simple.

Money is a measure of the value you offer to the world. However, the value you offer to the world is measured not only by money.

[livinlife232]

Originally Posted by Acting Like Godot

It is quite simple.

Money is a measure of the value you offer to the world. However, the value you offer to the world is measured not only by money.

Well, then the whole philosophy about money as always commensurate to the value you give to the world is FAULTY. Thanks for clarifying.. because I could never understand those people in the third world, teachers, soldiers, firemen even inventors who don't earn more than 5,000 dollars a year. Its also about geography and other factors like color of skin, beliefs, and ability to bs people.

[HAGITLOVE]

I adore rich people, especially those who are self made rich.
I get inspired by them and like to learn about their success - it helps me realize everything is possible, it motivates me, It energizes me - SO DOES POSTS LIKE THIS.
Thank you !

[jacare]

Originally Posted by livinlife232

Well, then the whole philosophy about money as always commensurate to the value you give to the world is FAULTY. Thanks for clarifying.. because I could never understand those people in the third world, teachers, soldiers, firemen even inventors who don't earn more than 5,000 dollars a year. Its also about geography and other factors like color of skin, beliefs, and ability to bs people.

It is "how much" value you offer the world.

Take a school teacher and a football player. Obviously, a school teacher offers something more perceived as value. But only in front of 30 kids. A football player plays in front of 60,000 people in a live audience, and several more million televised audience. So he's bringing a larger scale. Thus the football player makes more wealth.

So the monetary value is measured not in perceived humanitarian worth, but in scale. And there are plenty of wealthy people of all races, geographies, religions.

[Sunshine82]

I also agree with you that if you 'hate' rich people or something about them, you will never become rich yourself until you sort out your underlying beliefs. Tony Robbins talks a lot about this.

I would say that at one stage I did identify some beliefs along these lines however, I then made it my purpose to find inspirational 'rich' people who did wonderful things with their money and were genuinely good people. There are a lot of people out there, and not all of them are famous.

I also like to think about what I would like to do with my money - what sort of life I would like to have and what sort of person I would like to be - if I were 'rich'. Things like, seeing something that I know my friend/family member would like and being able to just buy it for them, as a surprise. Paying for the person behind's groceries in the line, or their fuel. Dropping money in an envelope into the mailbox of someone you know is needy. When hearing about a family who lost everything in a fire, arranging for a truck full of furniture and clothing etc to be delivered to them. These are along the lines of things I would like to do for people. I don't want to be known for it - it's not about being known for doing an act of kindness, it's about doing it from your heart. THAT is the type of rich person I would like to be!

I have my goals written down and as the opportunity arises or becomes a possibility, I start to do it.

As an example, my goal was to give 10% of my income to charity & worthy causes, but that was seriously impossible for me at that stage. So I started to give 2% of my income. I knew I could afford that. Every 3 months, I looked at my finances and it was my goal to increase that percentage each review. I am now sitting at 15%. My next goal is to reach 20%.

My ultimate goal would be to live on 1% of my income and to give away 99%. Imagine the person I would have to become to achieve that!!!

[Acting Like Godot]

Originally Posted by livinlife232

Well, then the whole philosophy about money as always commensurate to the value you give to the world is FAULTY

It isn't faulty, if you primarily measure the value you give to the world in monetary terms.

It's faulty, if you primarily measure the value you give to the world, using non-monetary terms (and those terms could be very diverse in nature).

For example, some people might measure the value they give to the world, in terms of:

- the number of people they help;
- the number of awards they receive;
- the amount of praise or appreciation they get;
- the usefulness of the ideas that they are able to execute;
- the readership numbers of their blogs
- the growth of the organisation for which they work;
- the extent to which they change people's thinking for the better;
- the number of people they convert to Christianity
- the number of Olympic medals they win;
- the success and wellbeing of the children they raise;
- the types of scientific discoveries or scientific innocations they make;
- the artistic value of their works;

etc etc.