#rich #smart #wealthy #SmartPeople #RichPeople #DoGood #BeAGoodPerson
If you are so smart, why aren’t you rich?
Those who would wage war on smart people would ask this question.
Obviously, there is more to intelligence than the ability to make money. In fact, some not-so-smart people have made a lot of money.
But, those who are smart often want to use their intelligence not to enrich themselves, but to help others. Some would even use their own intelligence to help others get rich.
People who are just plain rich tend to be self-centered. If there is nothing in it for me, the attitude goes, there is no point in doing it.
But, truly smart people see a need – perhaps an obligation – to use their brain power to change the world to help others succeed.
Certainly, if they get wealthy in the process, they won’t complain. They may even donate a portion of their wealth to help those much less fortunate.
To put it succinctly, they give and they get. They don’t take.
People who are just plain rich have no problem taking. In fact, many will take things they are not entitled to take. They will use their wealth and power to dominate those who are less powerful.
Smart people who use their intelligence to help others ignite jealousy among the not-so-smart rich.
Smart, noble people tend to be popular. Those who are just rich tend to be not so popular.
The unpopular rich want to own the popular smart. Unfortunately, history has countless, horrible examples of human beings owning other human beings.
Wealth and power in the wrong hands can be devastating to many, if not all, of us.
Some of them will literally take from the meager incomes of the many simply to line their own pockets and satisfy their greed.
Why? Because they can. If we have the power to do so, we shouldn’t let them.
The suffering of the many can actually amuse those in power.
What type of human being can get a thrill from the suffering of others? It’s hard to determine where their humanity is. But, chances are, their wealth and power did not cause their inhumanity. Likely, they’ve always had it.
They will try to say that empathy is a weakness. Alas, it is a virtue.
So, let’s all try to be as successful as possible by helping, or at least not hurting, others.
Strive to be someone children can, and should, look up to. Children, in fact, do not learn nearly as much from our words as from our actions.
If you are fortunate enough to attain great wealth through noble pursuits, share that wealth generously, and effectively, with the most needy.
Attaining great wealth should not be a goal to reach at all costs. It should the a bonus for doing good, and being a good person.
When we all strive to do good, and be good people, everyone benefits.
Peter