Affluence and lack are often defined by the value of material possessions, but these concepts are very relative and vary depending on individual perspectives.
Generally, a rich person is defined as someone who has a high value of material possessions, an average person has a moderate amount and a poor person has minimal or no significant material wealth.
This particular metric of material wealth influences how people view themselves and others, driving a common desire to move up the social and economic ladder.
However, this pursuit is paradoxical because human desires are insatiable irrespective of what we choose to see. The more we acquire, the more we want and the more we want, the more we acquire. It is like an unending cycle because whether we like it or not, there will always be someone wealthier.
Many people invest their time, energy and resources all in a bid to climb this ladder. Peer pressure and even societal expectations further fuel this drive because no one wants to feel inferior, especially among their peers.
But unfortunately, measuring self-worth by material wealth can negatively impact our self-esteem, especially for those who perceive themselves as lacking.
Now, here's a catch:
Our problems do not just disappear once we acquire more wealth. On the contrary, higher economic status often comes with its own challenges. Something we call “big man’s problem” where I'm from.
This is where contentment comes in. This is the act of appreciating and valuing the things we currently have, regardless of how it compares to others. Sometimes, we believe the grass is always greener elsewhere, yet we fail to see the value of what is already present in our lives.
Just today, I was engaged in a friendly banter about mobile devices. This friend of mine who is an Iphone enthusiast went on and on about how android phones are subpar and that I should find a way to change my phone. I didn’t take this banter seriously because the phone I'm currently holding was a dream, once upon a time. A dream that I painstakingly brought to fruition and absolutely no one can make me take it for granted. This, to me, is a level of contentment.
While it is healthy to aspire for more, without contentment, no amount of acquisition will ever feel sufficient. When we embrace contentment, every gain becomes fulfilling, regardless of how minute or how extravagant it is.
So here's a question; what do affluence and lack mean to you? Also, is there an in-between?
Images belong to me, except stated otherwise.
