In today’s fast-paced, consumer-driven world, appearances often take precedence over reality. The society we live in has developed an unhealthy obsession with outward signs of wealth, leading many to judge others based on what they own rather than their actual financial stability. A classic example of this is the comparison between two individuals: one who earns a substantial income but opts for modest possessions, and another who earns far less but surrounds themselves with expensive items, often bought on credit. Society tends to label the latter as wealthy and the former as poor, simply because of how each person presents. This mindset, however, is deeply flawed.
This misjudgment underscores a larger problem within society – the failure to distinguish between true wealth and the illusion of affluence.
Case in Point: The Tale of Two Individuals
Let’s break down the scenario.
Person 1: Earning ₹1,00,000 per month but owning a phone worth ₹20,000, paid for in full from their savings.
Person 2: Earning ₹20,000 per month but owns a phone worth ₹1,00,000, bought on EMI (Equated Monthly Installments).
From a purely materialistic viewpoint, it’s easy to assume that Person 2 is wealthier. After all, they possess a high-end smartphone, a symbol of modern luxury and status. Person 1, on the other hand, has chosen a phone that is far less expensive, which might lead people to view them as frugal, or worse, as someone who cannot afford the more luxurious option. This is where society’s perception of wealth often falls into error.
In reality, Person 1 is not only earning significantly more, but they are also living within their means, spending wisely, and possibly saving or investing for future financial growth. Person 2, however, despite the flashy phone, is living on borrowed money. The phone they proudly display may impress others, but behind the scenes, they are burdened by debt and struggling to make ends meet on a relatively low income. Yet, society often fails to look beyond the surface, equating expensive possessions with success, and confusing financial prudence with poverty.
The Social Media Effect: The Glamour of Appearances
One of the driving forces behind society’s skewed view of wealth is the rise of social media. Platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok have turned our lives into carefully curated showcases, where people are encouraged to highlight their most glamorous moments and possessions. The result is a growing pressure to maintain appearances, even if it means stretching financial resources to the breaking point.
Person 2’s expensive phone may help them fit into the digital culture of “flexing,” where people flaunt their latest gadgets, outfits, and vacations for likes and validation. To the outside world, they seem to be thriving. But the reality of their financial situation is starkly different. The EMI payments on the phone could be eating into a significant portion of their monthly income, leaving little for savings or emergency funds.
On the other hand, Person 1 might not feel the same pressure to conform to these societal standards. Their decision to purchase a more affordable phone is likely based on practical considerations – a phone that serves their needs without compromising their financial goals. But because their lifestyle doesn’t align with the popular image of wealth, they are perceived as less successful, even though they are far more secure financially.
The influence of social media has distorted society’s understanding of wealth, making it more about what we can show off rather than what we can afford.
True Wealth: Financial Stability Over Materialism
At its core, wealth is not about how much you earn, but how well you manage what you have. True wealth is measured in financial stability, the ability to meet one’s needs comfortably, plan for the future and enjoy peace of mind. This is where Person 1 stands out. They earn significantly more, but they understand the importance of living within their means and prioritizing long-term financial health over short-term gratification.
Financial experts often emphasize the importance of budgeting, saving, and investing as key pillars of wealth building. Person 1, with their modest phone and higher income, likely has the means to save for retirement, invest in stocks or property, and create an emergency fund for unexpected expenses. This person might be building generational wealth, laying the groundwork for a financially secure future.
Person 2, meanwhile, is sacrificing their financial future for immediate satisfaction. By purchasing a phone on EMI, they are committing a portion of their limited income to a depreciating asset – a phone that will be outdated within a few years. In doing so, they are sacrificing opportunities to save or invest, and placing themselves at greater financial risk. If an emergency arises, Person 2 may have to rely on more debt to get by, further exacerbating their financial instability.
Yet, society continues to praise Person 2 for their apparent wealth while overlooking the fact that Person 1 is the true embodiment of financial success.
Shifting Our Perspective: Redefining Success
To address this skewed perception of wealth, it’s important that we collectively rethink how we define success. The modern narrative that ties material possessions to status and achievement is both misleading and damaging. It encourages a culture of debt and financial instability, where people prioritize appearances over their actual well-being.
Success should not be measured by the price tag of our possessions but by our financial health and the freedom that comes with living within our means. This shift in perspective requires us to look beyond the superficial and appreciate the value of long-term financial planning. We need to celebrate those who make smart financial decisions, even if it means forgoing the latest trends or gadgets.
Society needs to understand that wealth is not about what you own, but what you can sustain. Financial literacy should be encouraged, and conversations around money should emphasize the importance of savings, investments, and the dangers of living beyond one’s means.
Conclusion: The Reality of Financial Success
In the story of Person 1 and Person 2, the truth is clear: wealth is more than what meets the eye. The person who appears to be poor may be the wealthiest of all – not because of what they own, but because of how they manage their money. Meanwhile, the individual who seems rich might be trapped in a cycle of debt and financial insecurity.
As a society, it’s time we start valuing financial intelligence over material possessions. True wealth is about stability, security, and peace of mind – not the brand of phone you carry in your pocket. Let’s learn to look beyond the surface and recognize that the most successful people are often those who choose to live within their means, rather than those who chase after the illusion of wealth.
