He often states that the rich are necessary because they lead our economy and that their money helps them to do so. Then later in the books he calls the rich greedy and that they have more money than enough money for them to have a luxurious life. He is basically saying that while some families are struggling to have at least one meal a day, the rich just save/blow money on useless things. He quotes on pg. 20 that “The poor cannot be expected to save, because they need every dollar for basic needs such as food and shelter.
PSYC 2100 12/6/11 Money Giveth, Money Taketh Away: The Dual Effect of Wealth on Happiness This study questions whether or not money can buy one’s happiness. Evidence from this study have proven that the income a person shows an important impact on happiness. Those who are more luxurious, when experiencing the best things in life, they tend to forget the simple joys that life brings them instead. When being reminded of wealth, it can apply a deep insight of effects on thought and behavior. In simpler terms, when people are thinking of money, it may lead them to think that any experiences they desire is likely to be attainable.
By only donating money that we spend on things not necessary to survive we are still able to live a life that is comfortable and the idea of rich and poor people can be thrown away. Though this could probably only be achieved with government intervention, the possibilities are endless. Of course a big downside to this idea is the fact that we work hard for our money. It can seem like a waste to give it away after we work long and hard to obtain it. Another con is that after living with an excess of everything for so long, the people who are most prosperous might not be as willing to give it up.
Both idolization and dismissal can lead to dehumanization. The rich are not the only victims, but are the most obvious. Most of the masses wouldn’t view themselves on the same level as the rich. The reasoning is, the rich have more money, that makes them better and everyone should worship them because they are gods and worthy of only the best. Or, the rich have more money, they should help people who actually need it but they don’t because they are selfish, disgusting individuals who don’t care about anyone but themselves, therefore they are poor excuses of human beings.
Wealthy individuals were able to capitalize on this economic growth and make profit. This left the working class lagging behind compared to the wealthy. There was an unequal distribution of wealth during this economic growth. Wealthy individuals were able to purchase land with ease compared to the working class. Henry George offered a single tax on land properties in order to give an incentive to put the land to use.
Money. But because not everyone is that lucky and can not all be born into riches. With the little they have they want more. They hold grudges for the rich because there not like them, and want to become like them and will stop at no means possible to get what they want. The wealthy tend to use money as power.
A large factor of how income is distributed is based on luck. This tax also benefits the lower class tremendously since if the tax would be distributed evenly the lower class wouldn’t be able to pay taxes and would have a greater load on their hands. Payment of taxes is based on the opportunity to pay a certain amount of taxes if the lower classes had the opportunity to pay heavy taxes they would have to, but they can barely afford to pay bills let alone taxes and the wealthy want to take away money that people don’t even have. It many seem unfair to the upper class, but this system actually benefits them.
Anyone can do just about anything with the proper amount of money. It all depends on what advantage a person used it towards. They could be getting something negative or positive out of their actions. "... how money originated and then evolved into a mechanism of power that institutions and any common person cans wield to exert great good or bad." People began using money to strengthen their power.
“Were the poor members of the family… it’s because your father has no luck… it’s what causes you to have money. If you’re lucky you have money. That’s why it’s better to be born lucky than rich. If you’re rich, you may lose your money. But, if you’re lucky, you will always gets more money” (Lawrence 1).
He also says how people overestimate the extent of money and what it can do for them. Relationships are another important thing that makes people happy. In the essay “Do You Have What It Takes to be Happy”, successful relationships are important to happiness. The author says to hang out with friends and with people who give good feelings and good support systems. People who are involved in romantic and social relationships are happier than people who are lonely.