The Pursuit of Happiness: Rich Life vs Normal Life

5tGG...kNBo

28 Oct 2023

The question of whether it is better to live a rich life or a normal life is one that has been contemplated and debated for centuries. On one hand, being rich often provides access to luxuries, conveniences, and opportunities that most people only dream of. However, living a "normal" middle-class lifestyle has merits of its own, with more focus on family, community, and living within one's means. In examining this complex issue, aspects of both lifestyles must be weighed regarding their impacts on happiness, fulfillment, health, relationships, values and personal growth.

Defining "Rich"

To begin this analysis, it is helpful to define what constitutes a "rich life." In monetary terms, rich generally refers to having wealth far exceeding average means. However, rich can also be defined more broadly in terms of living a full, abundant life filled with prosperity and affluence. For this discussion, a rich life entails having ample financial resources to afford a high-end lifestyle, including:

Owning multiple large residences around the world.
Maintaining a fleet of luxury vehicles.
Flying privately and staying in five-star hotels and resorts.
Having servants, assistants, landscapers, drivers and other domestic staff.
Wearing designer clothing, watches, jewelry and accessories.
Eating at Michelin star restaurants regularly.
Having access to exclusive clubs, events and experiences.
Having possessions like yachts, vineyards and private islands.

While the ultra wealthy represent the highest echelon, those in the top income brackets with multi-million dollar net worths can reasonably be considered as living a rich life. However, some elements like ample leisure time, close relationships and purposeful work also factor into a rich life regardless of net worth.

The "Normal" Middle Class Experience

In contrast, those living a "normal" life are solidly in the middle class. While definitions vary slightly, middle class broadly encompasses incomes ranging from around $40,000 to $120,000 per year for an average family of four. Typical features of a middle class lifestyle include:

Owning an average sized home, often with a mortgage.
Owning one or two modest vehicles.
Taking affordable domestic vacations.
Flying economy or occasionally business class.
Having a manageable budget without excessive debt.
Working one job, sometimes with a side gig or freelancing.
Having basic health insurance and retirement benefits.
Living comfortably, but within one's means.
Paying bills and expenses without significant financial stress.
Having some disposable income for dining out, entertainment, hobbies.
Putting away modest savings each month.

This "normal" lifestyle represents the experiences of millions of hard working households across the country and around the world. It may not be glamorous or filled with extras, but provides a solid, middle income existence for many individuals and families.

Happiness and Fulfillment

One of the most important factors to consider is whether a rich life or a normal life leads to greater happiness and fulfillment day to day. Surprisingly, research on levels of life satisfaction indicates that being rich only makes a significant impact up until about $75,000/year in income. After that benchmark, more money does not seem to equate with greater reported happiness.

Some reasons that the ultra rich are often no happier than the average middle class person include:

Hedonic adaptation - the tendency to quickly get used to and accustomed to new luxuries and lifestyles.
Disconnection from normal pleasures - not being able to enjoy simple joys and pastimes due to excess.
Isolation from community - more difficult to connect with others unlike yourself.
Problems with trust in relationships - suspicion about why people want to be close.
Less excitement and sense of achievement - things come too easily to seem earned.
Loss of purpose or meaningful work - no need to remain active or contribute.
Emptiness and boredom - everyday life lacks struggle and deeper meaning.

Meanwhile, those living a normal middle class life are more likely to:

Feel a sense of community and belonging.
Have strong social ties and fulfilling relationships.
Find meaning and purpose in family and work.
Appreciate and get excited about small pleasures.
Have goals to work towards and achieve.
Feel satisfaction in earning accomplishments.
Remain active and engaged day to day.

While wealth can help create comfort and security, relationships, purpose, growth and community seem to be key human needs for happiness no matter your income bracket. A rich life may look glamorous from the outside, but often lacks meaning and substance at its core.

Health and Wellness

Another important consideration is how rich life and normal life compare regarding impacts on health and wellness. Research has shown some mixed effects in this area:

Positive health impacts associated with a rich life:

Access to excellent healthcare and medical treatment options.
Ability to afford nutritious, high quality foods.
More time for fitness, exercise and physical activities.
Lower risk of obesity and diet-related illnesses.
Decreased chronic stress about cost of living and bills.
Ability to comfortably afford mental health services.

However, there are also negative health-related effects that can come with being rich including:

Increased rates of substance abuse and addiction.
Higher rates of anxiety and depression.
Less social support and loneliness.
Higher blood pressure and stress hormones.
Effects of too much sedentary leisure time.
Overindulgence in food and drink.
Increased plastic surgery and cosmetic procedures.

Overall, those living a normal middle class life tend to have lower rates of significant mental health issues and addictions. Their health outcomes seem to benefit from close community ties, manageable work stress and lifestyles filled with purpose and meaning.

For optimal health, the community, moderation and balance of a normal life may better supply crucial human needs than the excess and isolation of extreme wealth.

Relationships and Family Life

Relationships and family life also differ significantly between the rich and an average middle income experience. The rich often struggle in finding meaningful:

Romantic partnerships - concerns about being used for wealth are common. Prenups and protecting assets can strain marriage.
Friends - difficulty trusting whether friends are genuine or only interested in lavish parties and trips.
Community - residing in exclusive, gated neighborhoods reduces sense of community.
Connection with children - elite private schools and accommodations can prevent children from understanding real world realities.

Meanwhile, those living a typical middle class life tend to:

Date and marry those with similar incomes and life experiences.
Have long-term friends who share common interests and values.
Feel part of a community from schools, jobs, churches, activities, etc.
Have children who grow up understanding the importance of education, hard work and financial responsibility.

While family dynamics in any income bracket can be complex, the rich often feel isolated while those with more modest means benefit from close-knit social ties and community supporting relationships. Family and friends provide meaning and belonging - something money alone cannot guarantee.

Values and Personal Growth

Rich and normal middle class lifestyles also shape personal values and growth opportunities in markedly different ways.

On the negative side, the rich become adept at:

Thinking of themselves as exceptional and above average people.
Feelings of entitlement, privilege and superiority.
Disconnection and lack of empathy from larger society.
Valuing money, fame and image over meaning and purpose.
Equating net worth with human worth.

Conversely, those living modest, middle income lives tend to value:

Contributing to community and helping others.
Developing self-sufficiency and work ethic.
Building deep relationships and social bonds.
Finding meaning through faith, family, interests.
Judging self and others on character rather than wealth.
Maintaining humility, gratitude and connection to others.

While it requires reflection and effort, the middle path of a normal life often fosters personal qualities like compassion, wisdom and integrity. With less insulation from the world's realities, middle income lives engage in more growth promoting struggles that build character over time.

The Rich Tapestry of Life

After examining the differences between the lifestyles of the rich, famous and ultra-wealthy compared to average income families, compelling arguments emerge on both sides of this debate. However, while money can provide comfort and security, it does not appear to guarantee happiness.

Average citizens worldwide seem to find more day-to-day purpose, connection and well-being. They take pleasure in small delights, celebrate accomplishments and prioritize family and relationships. Surrounded by community, they find meaning in both struggles and simple joys.

Meanwhile, the rich enjoy enviable luxuries and privileges. But often lack deeper fulfillment and connection. With less purpose, their lives feel empty - especially in contrast to the passion and optimism of their younger selves still striving to build wealth and meaning.

In the end, living a life of decadence comes with costs and benefits, just as modest means have tradeoffs as well. There may be wisdom in the saying that the best of all worlds is to be “poor in possessions but rich in experiences.” With balance between material and social realms, one can blend the tapestry of life with diverse threads of struggle and joy, security and meaning, family and friends.

Your Support Matters:

SOLANA : 5tGG8ausWWo8u9K1brb2tZQEKuDMZ9C6kUD1e96dkNBo

ETHEREUM/polygon/OP/ARB/FTM/ AVAX/BNB :

0x608E4C17B3f891cAca5496f97c63b55AD2240BB5

BITCOIN : 1LhLn5pVx556hJhyh3jDPLYTyq9BChZ61e