Income inequality exists. It’s a simple fact of life in America. And it’s pretty easy to find news written about the 1% of income earners in this country, or alternately, the wealthiest 1% by net worth (rather than income.) And apparently the 1% aren’t the only problem, either. According to Matthew Stewart of The Atlantic, the 9.9 percent are the new American aristocracy. That 9.9% are those below the top 0.1%, but with net worth above 90% of us, and who are also managing to hold onto their slice of the American pie and grow it with every generation.
All of this may be true. In fact, it’s pretty likely. And whether you’re in the 90% looking longingly at the big new homes and nice luxury cars of those in the 9.9%, or in the 9.9% eyeballing the perks of the super-rich, one thing remains clear to me.
You’re doing it wrong.
Look around you. Do you do a job that you enjoy? That’s real wealth. Do you have family, friends, or a partner who you love, and who love you back? Focus your energies there. How’s your health? If it’s decent, enjoy that.
Income and wealth inequality are unlikely to go away anytime soon. I know I don’t have the answer, and I’m not sure there are too many really palatable answers. I’m not saying we shouldn’t seek those answers, but in the short term that is most of our lives, we shouldn’t spend it looking at the things our neighbors have that we don’t. None of those things really matter. The love of others, the joy of the moment, and enjoying what we do have is a much more worthwhile pursuit.
We shouldn't spend our looking at the things our neighbors have that we don't. None of those things really matter. Share on X