Ok, today we’re laying the cards out on the table. We’re getting honest today about our perception of money and how we measure success. A week ago, I was with someone, and a contemporary of ours drove by in a fancy new sports car. The person I was with said, “Huh look… he made a lot of money and immediately bought the shiny new sports car.” I sensed a tinge of jealousy in that person’s voice. Like instead of sharing in their success and appreciating their talent, this person was envious.
So… here is the fence question today: If someone works hard, and “makes it,” as some would label it, should they not be allowed to enjoy the fruits of their labor? Is it considered showy if they enjoy fast boats, or fancy cars or big houses? And, do we perceive people with money differently if they are trust fund babies like Paris Hilton, who show up in a pink Bentley convertible (we imagine she has all this because her last name is Hilton)? Or when a self-made humble billionaire like Bill Gates shows up in a fancy car… does it evoke less strong of a reaction because he is humble, self made and un-showy?
