Hello @denmarkguy!
I loved the bit about hoarding wheelbarrows, you are right though- "hoarding money" is a completely different story. I also knew about the study you cited; where after a certain point, money doesn't make you happier.
If I was making 28 million a year, I would first buy a house, pay off student loans, and take other steps toward making myself financially stable. Then, I would help out my family, and close friends. Then I would spend some time researching causes that I could help fund. Maybe buy myself a couple of cool gadgets, and maybe one item that would be considered "left field".
Filling a demand huh... If I see it that way, then I can't really say it's unfair that there are people who are wealthy and those who aren't- BUT! Everyone who does amass a good amount of wealth should try to help others and causes that they understand and would want to back.
As always, your post leaves us with questions for ourselves.
Mahalo,
@shello
Thanks for the comment @shello!
I think part of the problem might be-- at least here in the USA-- that we don't value the "collective good" very highly. Everything here is about supporting "the individual," as a result of which altruistic endeavors are not values do much. If social status was awarded based on how much philanthropy someone could show they had done, I'd bet far more executives would get involved in do-good projects, rather than buying luxury yachts.
Very true, I can see the wisdom behind your words! I feel like technology plays a big role in this as well focusing more towards the individual. We have apps and services aimed at producing "custom goods" for customers, and everyone gets pulled into a me me me mentality.
I can't help but feel that part of this behavior comes from the fear of failing and be let down by peers. Although it is good to be self-empowering, a person should aim not just to improve themselves, but those around them as well.
Yachts aren't gonna drive themselves~☆