Affluence and lack are often defined by the value of material possessions, but these concepts are very relative and vary depending on individual perspectives.
Generally, a rich person is defined as someone who has a high value of material possessions, an average person has a moderate amount and a poor person has minimal or no significant material wealth.
This particular metric of material wealth influences how people view themselves and others, driving a common desire to move up the social and economic ladder.
However, this pursuit is paradoxical because human desires are insatiable irrespective of what we choose to see. The more we acquire, the more we want and the more we want, the more we acquire. It is like an unending cycle because whether we like it or not, there will always be someone wealthier.
Many people invest their time, energy and resources all in a bid to climb this ladder. Peer pressure and even societal expectations further fuel this drive because no one wants to feel inferior, especially among their peers.
But unfortunately, measuring self-worth by material wealth can negatively impact our self-esteem, especially for those who perceive themselves as lacking.
Now, here's a catch:
Our problems do not just disappear once we acquire more wealth. On the contrary, higher economic status often comes with its own challenges. Something we call “big man’s problem” where I'm from.
This is where contentment comes in. This is the act of appreciating and valuing the things we currently have, regardless of how it compares to others. Sometimes, we believe the grass is always greener elsewhere, yet we fail to see the value of what is already present in our lives.
Just today, I was engaged in a friendly banter about mobile devices. This friend of mine who is an Iphone enthusiast went on and on about how android phones are subpar and that I should find a way to change my phone. I didn’t take this banter seriously because the phone I'm currently holding was a dream, once upon a time. A dream that I painstakingly brought to fruition and absolutely no one can make me take it for granted. This, to me, is a level of contentment.
While it is healthy to aspire for more, without contentment, no amount of acquisition will ever feel sufficient. When we embrace contentment, every gain becomes fulfilling, regardless of how minute or how extravagant it is.
So here's a question; what do affluence and lack mean to you? Also, is there an in-between?
Images belong to me, except stated otherwise.
Hehe, don't tell that Elon Musk. 😁
Affluence would mean to have enough not to have financial worries anymore, to worry for example how to pay the next tuition fee of my son, if I can buy all ingredients of the food I plan to prepare, if I can also buy for example a little bit more expensive aliments like milk regularly. If I would know to have enough money for my everyday needs without having to do any extra work like cleaning outside my house that would already feel like a kind of affluence.
Luxury would not be the aim but it would be nice if I could do some nice things like travelling to beautiful places or going out to eat without having a bad conscious afterwards.
Lack is then the opposite of what I described above.
Just recently, someone wealthier than him emerged😂
You beautifully explained what affluence means to you and I appreciate that✨
Thanks for sharing these great entry @wongi into the real talk community
Sending you Ecency love
Thank you ✨
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You're on fire @wongi! Your daily posts are keeping Hive lively and exciting.
Your post make me remember of iphone 17 now it looks like if you have it is an achievement now you are big person we shouldn’t let us put weight on material things more than ourselves
We love the value you bring to Real Talk! Keep sharing your thoughts and stories they make the community stronger. To help us support you even more with stronger upvotes, consider delegating some Hive Power (HP). Together, we can grow and reward quality discussions.”
We love the value you bring to Real Talk! Keep sharing your thoughts and stories they make the community stronger. To help us support you even more with stronger upvotes, consider delegating some Hive Power (HP). Together, we can grow and reward quality discussions.”
Thank you for having me.
!PIMP