How many times have you heard, or even produced yourself, the old saying that money won't buy happiness? Think twice. Recent studies show that after all, maybe it will.
My friend I. is wealthy. I mean, really wealthy. He lives in a 10,000 square feet flat located in the most expensive area of town. Of course, he hasn't paid for it personally. Well, he has... just not with his very own personal sweat. It's fair to say that it's probably his great-grandfather's sweat what bought today's flat.
My friend I. doesn't work, either. Of course, he has the fanciest degree and masters one can have, but there is no pressing need for him to put them to the test.
In my opinion, there is no evident need for him to work... Just walking around his flat will the best part of six hours. Add a lunch break to that, and you have a work day, straight up.
However, I's situtaion makes him susceptible to all kinds of social criticism and even the cruel despise of anyone with a schedule.
Developed Western countries have grown into all sorts of moral judgement about wealth. Being rich seems no longer something fun, but something that you have to be responsible and accountabe for, and even then... hmmm.... maybe you're not completely ok to take to mother.
What happened to the time when wealth was admired because of its own blinding beauty?
Obviously, some personal traits are not genetic, but the result of many centuries of having to put ourselves out there and work, in order to survive; and therefore may not be developed without the strain and pains of several years of working for someone else.
But, doesn't an active social life have the same requirements? Aren't punctuality, consideration and manners required when you have a Bridge date?
Recent studies developed in Eastern and Western Europe have made astounding discoveries on this matter. Read on:
Few of us have heard of the Triple Hammer association, established in Germany around 1820. It gathered (and still does) the richest individuals in Europe. Some of the conditions of the association included a minimum level of wealth to enter; and signing up could only be done by single persons (not families or companies).
It is logical that the Triple Hammer would be behind every single enterprise of any importance, whether entrepeneurial, regal or both.
Investigations have revealed that it was in fact this association who raised and fed claims that only through work and self worth a man could establish his own value.
Remember that Germany and most of Northern Europe are Protestant countries. These claims went along well with the general cultural feel of the moment, influenced by the Industrial Revolution.
Why?
Well, a few answers come to mind. Patrons could surely benefit from workers who didn't loathe work, and who even became self-righteous about the value of their efforts vs. the so-called inadequacy of the upper classes.
It is a clear post-Revolutionary message: after the struggle for balance, and the blood expense of the French Revolution, there was a need for a philosophical muzzle to keep the working classes under some kind of control. Conceding moral righteousness from the upper classes to the working ones, was just a small sacrifice to keep posessions under control, and their heads on.
And so we come to the widely spread conslussion that wealth can absolutely not make the individual happy. It is quite a 360º turn from the original Biblical conception of work, as a punishment ad eternum for the original Sin.
Nosey.com has interviewed two friends who recently won the lottery, and were lucky enough to split a $350 mill. jackpot. They wanted to keep their names private, but allowed us to use their initials.
S.L. and M.d.R were both normal people prior to their lucky break: "We both had anguishing work schedules, with no time for a private life. I had gained weight since starting to work, and had a really tough time trying to get it off... with no sucess" claims M.d.R. She chuckles as she talks. "Well... now I am a normal person too. I don't think money changes who you are, but it sure changes what you look like. Since winning, I've had two liposuctions, and I'm planning on a breast augmentation".
"Yeah" Says S.L. "I was a normal person before, too... You know, discount shopping, Wal Mart and I used to buy my soda from the vending machine at work. Now I order it by the ton, and have it delivered at home by George Clooney. I'm still a normal person... I just don't think normal means the same for every income!"
When asked whether they have noticed any change in their mood since winning both of them burst into laughter. "OH MY GOD!", Yells S.L. "You have to be ******* kidding me, right?" They look at each other and roll their eyes. "Not really", says M.d.R. "It doesn't change anything, and they wouldn't want us to tell you, anyways. I mean, work is what can really make the person great, and sticking to your job and your boss, is the best one can do for society in general. Right?"
"Yeah, yeah" S.L. says. "Now we have all the fun stuff, but honestly, I miss my job as a hospital clerk. Don't put that thing about them on tape, huh?
They both seem relieved, as if they had managed to say the right thing, but through their words I can see that both seem pretty relieved to have the cash in the bank and brand new mansions.
I would bet I. is quite content with his current situation, too. We haven't exactly discussed it, but I know that, were I him, I would be.
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