WW: Rich

Welcome to Word Wednesday again. This week we'll discuss the word Rich.

Many people want to be rich, by which they mean they want to have a lot of money. An interesting note is that while many people would like to have a lot of money, they both despise people who have much more than they do and consider themselves to not have much. What is a lot of money? It seems to always be more than what you have.

It turns out that the result people want and how they think they can get there are disconnected. Take lottery winners, for instance. People who receive large amounts of money, like lottery winners, have a tendency to get in more trouble financially, even though they have more money. Money doesn't solve their problems, it's how they think about money. This goes back to the thinking that money is an idea. Money just reveals your financial habits.

I find it interesting that anyone making 10x what you make is usually considered rich. If you compare the world average personal income or $7,000 per year to what you make, consider the other viewpoint. You are the rich. Yes there are a few who are the next 10x above you. When you compare yourself with the rest of the world, chances are you'll find that you are in the top 5% of the richest people in the world. The money your throw away on trivial things people works hours to earn.

So next time you consider the "rich," remember you are talking about yourself.




Who is wise? He that learns from everyone. Who is powerful? He that governs his passions. Who is rich? He that is content. Who is that? Nobody. 
Benjamin Franklin 

rich

 adj \ˈrich\

Definition of RICH

1

: having abundant possessions and especially material wealth

2

a : having high value or qualityb : well supplied or endowed <a city rich in traditions>

3

: magnificently impressive : sumptuous

4

a : vivid and deep in color <a rich red>b : full and mellow in tone and quality <a rich voice>c : having a strong fragrance <rich perfumes>

5

: highly productive or remunerative <a rich mine>

6

a : having abundant plant nutrients <rich soil>b : highly seasoned, fatty, oily, or sweet <rich foods>c : high in the combustible component <a rich fuel mixture>d : high in some component <cholesterol-rich foods>

7

a : entertaining; also : laughableb : meaningful, significant <rich allusions>c : lush <rich meadows>

8

: pure or nearly pure <rich lime>

— rich·ness noun