The Indiaunited contest question reminds me of the expression that says, “If you want to know the true character of a person, give them money.” And the big question is;
Does money really change people, or does it simply reveal who they have always been?
This is a question I have found myself thinking about, especially when I look at how money and social status are viewed in the the part of the world I am in.In Nigeria, money can change the way people treat you almost overnight.
Someone who was previously ignored can suddenly become the person everyone wants to associate with after buying a big car, building a beautiful house, travelling abroad, or becoming successful in business. People who once called you by your first name may suddenly start adding titles and showing you a different level of respect. I have seen this happen many times.
And honestly, it makes me wonder: Do they respect the person, or do they respect the money?
And I have also heard stories of people who become wealthy and gradually distance themselves from their old friends and communities. Sometimes they stop picking calls, stop attending certain gatherings, or begin behaving as though their success makes them better than the people around them.
But is money really responsible for that?
I don't think money really changes someone's character. In many cases, it simply gives them the freedom to express what was already inside them.
A generous person who becomes wealthy may become even more generous. They may support family members, and also support other people.
But someone who was selfish before becoming wealthy will simply become more comfortable showing that selfishness. There are questions I normally ask myself.
If I suddenly became very wealthy tomorrow, what kind of person would I become?
Would I still remember the people who helped me when I had nothing?
Would I still respect the people I used to respect?
Would I still be willing to sit with the same people I used to sit with?
Would I use my money only to better myself, or would I use some of it to bless others too?
Because perhaps the real test of wealth isn't how much money enters your account.
It is how much humanity remains in you after the money arrives.
Money can buy comfort. It can buy influence. It can open doors.
But it cannot automatically buy wisdom, loyalty, humility, or good character.
So, from my own point of view, I don't think money necessarily changes people.
Sometimes, money simply removes the masks that was hiding who they already were.
And perhaps that's why wealth is such a powerful test of character.
Thanks for stopping by today.
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thanks.