Member-only story
Everyone Is “Money-Poor” in Their Own Way
We often see the world divided between the wealthy and the not-so-wealthy — some people can afford a mansion in the hills, while others dream of a simple, cozy apartment. Yet if you look closer, a curious pattern emerges: no matter how much wealth you accumulate, there’s always a higher level just beyond your reach. The billionaire can’t compete with the multi-billionaire; the millionaire can’t match the mega-billionaire.
In that sense, we’re all “money-poor.” Someone with a million dollars may feel relatively comfortable, but they might still feel “poor” when looking at the extravagant yachts or private jets of the ultra-wealthy. And those with modest incomes compare themselves to people who have millions in the bank. The paradox is that this comparison game never ends.
The Shifting Horizon of Wealth
Wealth is like the horizon: every step you take toward what you think is “enough” only reveals new forms of scarcity. Once you climb to one rung on the ladder, the next rung seems necessary, and the one after that appears enticing. This constant shifting makes us realize that “being poor” isn’t merely about not having money. It’s also about how we define our needs and desires relative to what others possess — or what we imagine they possess.
