On another forum I belong to, the members have widely varying backgrounds and financial status. Some are doing very very well, others are what's commonly called "middle class" and some are struggling day to day, with a couple having continued jobless situations.

Recently an argument broke out on the forum regarding the use of technology. One thing led to another, and it turned into a real piffing match. One of the things that came up was a few people posting information and/or photos of their toys, and other examples of their good fortune. These things included new houses, specialty cars, one person has an airplane, etc.

While the sharing of this was intended as strictly conversational, it now seems that some members took it as bragging, and there was a lot of jealousy that went unmentioned.

What are your thoughts on this? Should someone not mention their good fortune in fear of offending someone less fortunate? Conversely, if someone is having a run of bad luck, should they not talk about it for fear of sounding like they are complaining?

 

That's a good question. My husband works his butt off, up at 3:30AM to get to work by 4:30AM, and he puts in 14 hour days at his own business. But then, I hold back on saying what the rewards are of his hard work because it may sound like bragging. I've been called a Rich Bitch before and my kids have a friend or two who is jealous. I think people can be obnoxious about their wealth, but I don't think I am or my family is. Some people are insecure about their income so they become overly sensitive.

So it works both ways. Some people brag and some are just plain jealous, IMO.

 

There is an old (chinese?) saying :
Do not count your money in front of the poor.

I gather from your post the thread just went a certain direction, and the situatioin was inadvertent. I suppose if the post is clear re: the 'rewards' of one's labor; those who are 'struggling' should not be surprised or offended (This would seem a little tacky IMHO).

However, along w/ 'success', there usually is a cost beyond blood, sweat, and tears - be slow to desire what others have, you don't know what price they paid for it.

Jealousy / envy is a human condition. We may envy the one w/ the Learjet, but that migrant farm worker you passed may be envying your ten year old Chevy.

 

Depends on the intentions behind the "sharing". Some don't do it for "good" reasons....

 

I was taught that modesty about good fortune was always good for the soul.

That 's why I can't stomach the likes of Donald Trump or anyone else who reviles in their own accomplishments.

Anyone who's ever had a brush with death or serious illness knows that we are all only heartbeat away from misfortune and that things like expensive cars, houses, and all the other accoutrements of conspicuous consumption are meaningless.

Wealth and good fortune should always be accompanied by an equal abundance of humility. Unfortunately, in this age of greed, we find it increasingly rare for the privileged to demonstrate any measure of humility.

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Rick Hesel
I was taught that modesty about good fortune was always good for the soul.

 

I've been very blessed in my life to have had the opportunity to know many, many people who were extraordinarily wealthy (Forbes 500 folks) and they were very generous, very kind to me and very, very humble about the $$ they had. I learned much from those people and I have learned as a result of also having been blessed enough to live to be of vintage age that rich is relative. To many, a middle class american who lives from paycheck to paycheck is rich because he even has a paycheck. To many, having a little money in a savings account is rich -- to many one must be worth mega millions to be rich. So, being rich in friends, in kindness, in good deeds is rich. Money means little when (as Rick so aptly stated) one has no health -- all the money in the world cannot stave off loneliness if you have no friends or you've been unfortunate enough to have no family. We can buy many things with money, but those friends we buy with money are not real and are gone as soon as the money stream dries up. I certainly enjoy the benefits of what money we have and I am very grateful that we have a home, some of the toys we've always wanted, etc., but I sincerely hope that I always remember how quickly it can be gone and I will be left only with those people that I've loved and who have loved me and been my friends. I measure my wealth in the friends that I've accumulated and the family that I love.

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Rick Hesel
I was taught that modesty about good fortune was always good for the soul.

 

Ironically enough I believe it has more to do with the person hearing or reading than it does with the person speaking or typing. Right here at s2ki.com I read about people planning to buy an E60 M5 and I know they are serious about it and have the ability to do so. The E60 M5 is one of my ultimate cars and I suspect I will never be able to afford one in this lifetime. However, I like who I am and am comfortable with my position in life, I hold no jealousy towards them and frankly wish them a lot of joy, not everybody has that kind of inner peace. That is where the root of the problem lies.

And the other factor, now that you brought it up; this ing world is getting way too politically correct for me. Watch what you say, watch what you do, be intimidated by how someone may jump to conclusions, tip toe around the bush, don't be too direct and oh my, don't be confrontational or have the backbone to stand up and speak your mind. Give me a break....

 

Here in the South it's not polite to discuss how much you make. However, as far as someone talking about their great toys or fantastic trips, I don't find it in the least offensive or impolite. I don't buy into any type of class warfare mentality.