The Uncomfortable Truth About Riches: Are We Chasing Wealth, or Just Relative Advantage?

We all possess it, that faint glimmer of a dream: what would it be like to attain genuine wealth? Imagine not having to worry about bills, traveling the world, and purchasing anything our heart desires. It's a universal fantasy, often painted with scenes of absolute comfort and freedom. But what if the desire goes beyond merely accumulating wealth? What if it's about having more? That's the provocative question posed by the 19th-century philosopher John Stuart Mill: "People would rather not be rich; people want to be richer than others." At first glance, this Mill quote may sound cynical, even dismissive of true ambition. But it is strikingly true, especially in our modern world. Imagine someone who has enough to live comfortably, free of debt, and able to afford a lovely home, nutritious food, occasional holidays, and reliable healthcare. By many objective standards, this person is rich—at least relatively speaking compared to the majority of the global population. However, many individuals in this position still yearn for more. Why? Mill suggests it's because our definition of "rich" isn't a fixed, internal metric. It's an ever-shifting benchmark, constantly calibrated against those around us. The Social Game of Wealth: The "Keeping Up With The Joneses" Phenomenon: It's not enough to have a lovely car; it needs to be nicer than your neighbor's. Your vacation destination isn't just about exploration; it's about being more exotic than your colleague's. Social comparison is a deeply ingrained human trait. We assess our standing, success, and happiness by looking at others. Status and Signaling: Wealth is often a proxy for status. It signals success, power, competence, and even desirability. To be "richer than others" isn't just about material possessions; it's about being perceived as superior and more accomplished. Our drive for social validation and respect can be a powerful engine behind the pursuit of comparative wealth. The Hedonic Treadmill: Even when we achieve a new level of wealth, our happiness often quickly returns to a baseline. We adapt. That new luxury car becomes just "our car." That bigger house becomes "our house." The novelty wears off, and our aspirations reset, often looking to the next tier, the next person with something more. This endless cycle often leaves us feeling perpetually short of true "richness." The Modern Amplifier: Social Media: We have never experienced such constant exposure to the carefully curated highlights of others' lives. Instagram feeds overflow with luxury travel, designer clothes, and aspirational lifestyles. This constant bombardment makes Mill's observation even more potent. We're not just comparing ourselves to our neighbors anymore; we're comparing ourselves to a global highlight reel, often feeling deficient in the process. Absolute Needs: Many people genuinely desire wealth for the security, comfort, and freedom it provides, regardless of how it compares to others. The peace of mind that comes from financial stability is a powerful motivator. Freedom and Impact: For some, wealth is a tool—a means to pursue passions, support causes, create jobs, or build a lifelong legacy. Their motivation isn't necessarily about outcompeting peers but about maximizing their potential for good or personal fulfillment. Defining "Enough": There are those who consciously choose to define "enough" for themselves, detaching from the endless pursuit of "more than." This process often involves a deeper alignment with personal values than societal expectations. What Does Such an Approach Mean for Us? What truly drives our financial goals? Is it a genuine desire for security and comfort, or is there an underlying need for validation, status, or to simply keep pace with (or remain ahead of) our peers? Are we constantly striving to reach a goal that seems unattainable? If the goal is to be richer than others, then achieving true contentment may always be unattainable, as there will always be someone who is wealthier than us. How can we define "rich" according to our standards? Perhaps true richness lies not in the size of our bank account relative to others, but in the abundance of our experiences, relationships, health, and freedom. John Stuart Mill's observation forces us to confront an uncomfortable truth about our ambitions. It challenges us to look beyond the superficial glitter of wealth and ask: are we really chasing a dream, or are we simply trapped in a relentless game of comparison? The answer might just reshape our entire approach to money, happiness, and what it truly means to be "rich." 

No One Is Useless: Sometimes, it just takes the right moment to reveal that truth.

In a world that often measures worth by visible achievements or status, it’s simple to overlook the quiet power of resilience and presence. Society tends to celebrate leaders, innovators, and those at the forefront of change—but what about the moments when life takes an unexpected turn and chaos erupts? True value emerges in these moments when everyone else is fleeing. Many people, at some point, have felt inadequate or irrelevant. Whether it’s struggling to find purpose, being underestimated, or standing in the shadows of those deemed more successful, the weight of feeling useless can be immense. But this perception is misleading. Every person carries unique potential, shaped by experiences, instincts, and personal strengths that emerge in the most unexpected situations. Some of the most extraordinary acts of courage come from those who refuse to turn away in times of crisis. Imagine a natural disaster that overwhelms trained emergency teams. Volunteers step in—people without formal rescue training but with a strong will to help. They offer shelter, deliver food, and provide emotional support. In that moment, their presence is invaluable. Consider a scenario where a workplace is failing, morale is low, and panic begins to set in. The person who may not have held the highest rank suddenly becomes the glue holding the team together. Their ability to listen, motivate, and bring calm amidst uncertainty turns them into an irreplaceable force. It is not titles that define worth, but actions. There is strength in simply being there when others flee. Whether it’s standing up for someone who is being mistreated, taking a risk to speak up when silence feels safer, or choosing to help when no one else will—these moments prove that no one is ever truly useless. Some shine in the spotlight, others in the shadows, but all contribute to the larger tapestry of life. True worth is not measured by how many people recognize it but by the impact one makes in the crucial moments. Every individual possesses the capacity to provide a sense of calm during challenging times, provide support during difficult times, and provide a voice amidst silence. The value of a person isn’t always seen immediately, but when the world shifts and challenges rise, those who stay—those who step forward when everyone else steps back—show just how essential they are.  So, the next time you feel like you don’t quite fit in or that your skills aren’t particularly valuable, remember this: your value is not determined by what you can do under ideal circumstances. Your value often determines what you can accomplish when others retreat.  So embrace your unique strengths, even if they seem insignificant. Nurture your unconventional skills, even if they seem out of sync with the mainstream. You never know when those seemingly "useless" qualities could be the key to success.  No one is useless. Occasionally, the timing is perfect for revealing this truth.