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why are rich people so addicted to material possessions?
Most of us are addicted to material possessions. Why?
1. We believe the advertising
2. We have a "void" that cannot be filled and seek to fill that "need" with material possessions. It is an attempt to feel better.
3. It is human nature to want "just a little more". I really think that it is a genetic behavioral trait of our species derived from the accumulation of food and necessary componants for survival in times of plenty to prepare for "lean times".
I would take it a step further, and say that the truly rich find the type of conspicuous consumption (mostly above their means) by the middle and lower classes as vulgar, if anything.
Exactly.
It is usually those who have the least who spend most of their time (and money) trying to spend their way into "belonging".
"Old money" spends very frugally. In everything, they buy the best quality, timeless pieces, classic and elegant. They don't constantly buy "trends" in fashion. You will rarely if ever see them purchasing a Ferrari or Maserati, etc, etc.
Their kids do not have a closet full of the latest high-end sneakers. They are not dressed head to toe in Gucci or Vuitton. They don't own a fleet of high end cars....all of the above is considered a great waste....not to mention tacky.
Most of the wealthiest people I know especially those that worked very hard for it live rather modestly. It's one of the reason they are rich to begin with.
Haven't you heard of "the millionaire next door?" Most millionaires drive Fords or Chevy's, display few obvious signs of wealth, lead quiet lives, and are often too busy running their businesses to worry about showing off. Many of the big flashy spenders are not as wealthy as they want you to think.
I agree! That is how it has been with wealthy people that I have met along the way.
I never stated you said those who can afford things that others can't were doing so to impress others.
In point of fact prior to your quoting of my post (to which my response was directed) I thought we were actually in agreement on this issue.
Look at the first sentence of your last post that I commented upon.
Here you go, I quoted it again:
Quote:
Originally Posted by outbacknv
No one needs to have a ton of things. It's presumptive to assume that those that choose to have and can afford luxury items are doing so purely to impress others.
I've also lived is different countries and am glad to have had the experience. That said I can't agree with your assessment that Americans are the most ostentatious of all cultures. It's been 10yrs since my last trip to Europe but at that time there were certainly plenty of wealthy people flaunting their good fortune.
Perhaps things have changed and if so I'll defer to your more recent experiences but from my experiences I'm not willing to label Americans as the most ostentatious culture.
Last edited by chielgirl; 11-07-2010 at 01:27 AM..
It is usually those who have the least who spend most of their time (and money) trying to spend their way into "belonging".
"Old money" spends very frugally. In everything, they buy the best quality, timeless pieces, classic and elegant. They don't constantly buy "trends" in fashion. You will rarely if ever see them purchasing a Ferrari or Maserati, etc, etc.
Their kids do not have a closet full of the latest high-end sneakers. They are not dressed head to toe in Gucci or Vuitton. They don't own a fleet of high end cars....all of the above is considered a great waste....not to mention tacky.
In this capitalist system. Many of the people who get rich are very materialist in the first place.
They are very materialistic people. So they pour their soul into trying to gain money and get rich to live their dream.
Non-materialistic people tend to just relax and stay out of that rat race more.
The people who are born into wealth tend to get indoctrinated into a materialistc mindset from an early age.
Amateur psychology at it's finest.
The rich are more likely to have gotten that way as a by-product of the urge to achieve, create, accomplish,win...be the best at something.
It's the game that counts the most , not the trophy.
(My own amateur psychology
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I agree! That is how it has been with wealthy people that I have met along the way.
