Let me keep it simple

Thursday 29 February 2024

Know your status in this life

How does it feel to have no facial hair as a man? High five!  The beardless gang need not concern themselves with the hassle required to be in tip-top shape. You lucky ducks don't have to deal with the whole beard drama: ingrown hairs, dry skin, itchiness, or patchy hair growth. Just keep your scalp hair lookin' good, and that's it! You rock if you are equally blessed with baldness or hair that remains below a predetermined threshold.

Man, this world is super materialistic, you know? Like, you have to engage in daily labour to make ends meet, just to cover your basic needs and perhaps splurge on a few ones that pop up because of what society expects. 

Don't stress about those who inherit wealth from their ancestors; it's not like they can freely spend on whatever they fancy. Most likely, their predecessors had some foresight and engaged estate planners to prevent them from squandering their hard-earned fortune. Thus, they need to be cautious in their expenditures to ensure the preservation of wealth for upcoming generations.

Despite having a guaranteed basic income and social status, individuals in this position must actively seek opportunities to grow their wealth. Otherwise, they might need to settle for the modest earnings they currently receive, as inherited wealth tends to be protective against extravagant expenditures.

Over the past weekend, I had the opportunity to engage in a pep talk, and a notable takeaway was the emphasis placed on financial success, which I find problematic. In contemporary times, there's a universal notion that success is often measured by one's financial capacity and the ability to make significant investments. The verbatim is that money talks.

A common belief across socioeconomic classes is that increased wealth directly correlates to a superior life. Another dangerous assumption. This materialistic fixation influences social dynamics, with families often prioritizing financial security over other factors in potential partners. It's common for fathers not to want their daughters to marry men who have nothing. Placing so much pressure on would-be suitors. A fellow online said that love does not exist in marriage. If you are a penniless fellow, beware; your chances of enjoying a royal life are slim if you don't work extra hard.

For example,  consider a scenario of a parent with a child in a high-cost private school. The reality is that if you have financial means, you will be favored. Schools are well aware of this dynamic, and they tend to prioritize parents who readily align with them when faced with new monetary demands. In such situations, the consensus of a few influential parents is often sufficient to approve proposals. The onus is given to parents who align with the institution's stance. Other less assertive parents are expected to fall in line, concurring merely because it is the anticipated response. And in most cases, "shape up or ship out."

The proverb goes, "If you think education is expensive, try ignorance." Which emphasizes the importance of education. It's important to acknowledge that success in the real world is influenced by a couple of factors beyond academic credentials. Yet, there are many smart and educated folks out there who don't know how to earn money and end up being clowns and 'court jesters' for those who do. Still, many educated individuals contribute significantly to society through diverse pursuits, while others pursue financial goals through various means. The undeniable truth is that the elderly have accumulated wealth at the expense of the young. They are the ones who hold power and influence over the opportunities and outcomes of the younger generation.

The standard norm in our current society is that we have been biased to value individuals who can provide timely financial support to address pressing needs. We always have some financial challenges to overcome. Ideas are nice, but they don't pay the bills. If you don't have money to contribute, you might feel left out or ignored, because we value tangible results more than anything. There are instances where personal finances may not be readily available. However, if your position ensures a network of individuals capable of fundraising to support your objectives, it becomes essential to leverage this network effectively. It's why some people usually want to be influential.

People acquire their wealth through both legitimate and shady means. However, it's important to remember the saying, "A fool and his money are soon parted." Keep in mind that proposing ideas to someone with limited education and insufficient financial backing may not yield significant results unless your financial status demonstrates credibility. 

You can tell a wealthy man from a mile away. Just pay attention to the accolades and discussions of accomplishments from those who admire him. You'll be convinced in no time. The man's car, his home, his investments, and his kids' school are all signs of his success. Even the beverages stocked in his house serve as additional indicators of his affluence.

Every individual deserves to be treated with respect, irrespective of their background. It's unfair to silence someone who has earned his initial million. Our evaluation of ideas should be based on their merit, not the financial status of the person putting them forward.

I don't mean to be rude, but most of us haven't earned a million, myself included. The traditional expectation was to go to school and obtain a lucrative job afterward, and then your financial tribulations would be over. That doesn't work out in the current dispensation. Nevertheless, you have to remain optimistic and look for opportunities to improve your circumstances.

Despite our interactions with individuals of various financial backgrounds, one undeniable reality is that without financial resources, one must either follow the conventional route or adopt an aggressive approach, regardless of age, to earn money—whether the path chosen is questionable or honest. Ultimately, money tends to attract friends and allies.

Hasta la vista, Baby.

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