I don’t care much about class, as in social status and wealth. I’ve spent a fair share of time around people with money — call them millionaires — and the money is just another layer (in many cases a challenge) added to the flaws in their character.
One thing I’ve noticed is that the money elevates what rich people think of themselves — a sanitized privilege in which the deeper levels of humanity quietly slip out the door. What I mean by this is there’s the cordiality, the intellect and the ability to listen, but when it comes down to it…let them eat cake.
These are the ones I know personally, but I know of other wealthy people who use their wealth to push a cause; say, Bill Gates. He’s accepted his lot in life and turned it into a grand purpose that transcends his very existence. True wealth.
But don’t get me wrong, I’d be into striking it rich. But not for opulence nor indulgence of a hobby. I’d try good things and share good things, but be ultimately committed to the inner path. Simply, to be true to the same person I am now that I would be then, but even better.
And then, there’s that calling to greatness. Bill Gates has heeded it. Barack Obama has heeded it. When do I get my chance to heed it?
Why, I can’t even escape the horrors of shopping at Costco — the price of food depresses me. The cost of all good and services depresses me. I honestly have no clue as to how I’m going to pay my mortgage and bills this year — I simply don’t have enough cash flow to sustain this.
Yet I keep going. There’s something there, I just know it. It’s still formless but it’s there. The millionaires I know don’t emit this feeling. I don’t envy them.