Wealth through a Synoptic Microscope

Wealth: Derives from the old English word "weal", which means "well-being". The term was originally an adjective to describe the possession of great qualities. An individual who is wealthy, affluent, or rich is someone who has accumulated substantial wealth relative to others in their society or reference group.

Wealth is a relative term that has been butchered over past decades since we have grown accustomed to measuring people based on their economic status. These beliefs distract us from achieving a truly healthy and wealthy, balanced lifestyle. Our materialistic culture has been increasingly seductive while overshadowing the alternative cultural ideologies that offer more fulfilling lifestyles for everyone. The popularity of television programs, various genres of music, advertisements, and other forms of connecting with the masses influence our perspective of what is wealth really means. I’ll address this concept in detail in a later post.

I feel this is the absolute wrong way to measure ones wealth because it only leads to the degradation of our personal lifestyle and anyone we may have an affect on. It’s important to understand that the monetary aspect of wealth is only a very small piece of the life’s puzzle regardless of age, lifestyle, or socioeconomic status. A synoptic view of wealth would lead us toward authentic purpose and away from selfish, superficial goals we may seek otherwise.

Another note that should be accounted for is the fact that it is increasingly harder to gain upward economic mobility from the lower and middle social classes. Studies show that the middle class is shrinking and the divide between the rich and poor is becoming more prominent. I say this to stress the fact that the messages of wealth solely as a measure of monetary assets is becoming more threatening to a genuinely, healthy wealthy lifestyle. Once we recognize the differences and the small idiosyncrasies that these messages play in our everyday lives it will be easier for us to focus on the things that will help us foster a more progressive, wealthy lifestyle.

I have been teaching myself to put these things in perspective while I continue on my trek to reach excellence in all aspects of a wealthy lifestyle. I hope this makes sense to any readers but the point I am trying to make is clear. The culture we live in perpetuates regressive conditions like envy, greed, sex and others that are not progressive to the achievement of excellence. We have to stay watchful and be aware not to let our selfish desires lead us away from excellence.

This short video addresses the increase in economic inequality as it relates to politics for those that may be interested. The United States of America has been very sluggish about raising minimum wages and inflation seemed to gain momentum. The weakening of organized labor unions has lessened their influence on large corporations. Education has become an absolute must.

Some of the information was gathered from the following sources:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_middle_class
http://www.leaderu.com/orgs/probe/docs/poverty.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_middle_class#Middle_class_squeeze