Rich "vs" Poor
Good article at TCS Daily on the frugality of most millionaires, which contradicts the stereotypical image of the millionaire.
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A blog devoted to the usually serious but occasionally frivolous search for truth in things theological, philosophical, political, historical, etc. etc.
2 comments:
True, so true.
Of course, leaving aside the fact that the population of millionaires has been swelling for the past couple of decades for many and various reasons, one wonders how a person might become one of 'em without certain virtues and habits, amongst which frugality would rank high. I know the article makes this point as well - it just seems worth belaboring world without end. I mean, the sense of it is so obvious, and yet out the window goes our sense when resentment and entitlement pose as virtues. For instance, I make a lot of money every week, but I'm also a frivolous spender, and so the likelihood of my becoming a millionaire ain't all that high. If I wanted to be one, this would really bother me...
Seriously, though, even a couple of million dollars in investment and earned income is, in this current economy especially, just enough to give one the illusion of being 'rich' - that is, without the need to plan with prudence and work hard. Of course, by any reasonable standard such a person is indeed wealthy and without the worries that a family with an income of $40k might face. Still, if the millionaire suddenly lost his mind and started buying $100k sports cars and boats and beach houses, that money would vanish in no time at all.
I think the 'stereotypical image of the millionaire' is a better fit with the gazzilionaires, those Fussell calls the 'top out of sights', especially where the fortune is inherited or otherwise 'unearned'. Consider Paris Hilton - if a mere millionaire indulged in such behavior he'd be flipping burgers in a month. She is, admittedly, an extreme case and an easy, if hilarious, target, but you get the point I dare say. Well, back to work I go - I've got to pay for all the books I ordered earlier today.
Like I said, not gonna be a millionaire any time soon...
Peace out.
Oops - 'Anonymous' is really Thomas of Endlessly Rocking - forgot to sign my comment.
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