Money makes the world go round. No matter the situation, money often has the final say. This is the reality we live in today.
Whether you're an employee or a millionaire, money plays a pivotal role in your decisions. An employee seeks a job that pays more, while a millionaire pursues deals that increase wealth. The fundamental difference is that the worker trades time for money, whereas the millionaire uses money to buy time.
This example is just the tip of the iceberg. On a larger scale, the same principle applies to global issues. Consider hunger, wars, and pandemics—at their core, these crises are often driven by financial interests.
Hunger could be eradicated in an instant if enough money were allocated to the right causes. Yet, too often, funds are diverted to administrative costs and high executive salaries rather than directly addressing the problem. Wars, unfortunately, present lucrative opportunities for selling arms and securing reconstruction contracts. Wars often start because one country wants the other country's valuable territories or goods, in other words, they want to benefit financially. Pandemics, too, become a marketplace for medical supplies and vaccines. Fear is always an effective marketing tool, and it is used effectively.
Money is the driving force behind people’s actions, especially when the stakes are high. The larger the issue, the more money is to be made by those involved.
Money Divides Opinions
When you scroll through social media, it's almost inevitable that you'll encounter comments where people criticize how others spend their money. Whether it's someone buying a multimillion-dollar apartment, a luxury yacht, or even a private jet, there's always someone ready to criticize.
This often stems from jealousy—people covet what others have that they themselves do not. But here's the reality: winning the lottery is incredibly unlikely, and if you simply follow the crowd and do what 99% of people do, you’re unlikely to achieve anything extraordinary. Criticizing those who have reached significant milestones in life for how they spend their money misses the point. You don’t know the sacrifices they’ve made, the failures they’ve endured, or the countless times they’ve risked everything to get where they are. How can you criticize if you’ve never even tried? Jealousy is a wrong way of thinking, you should be proud of others' achievements and follow them as a model if you want the same. Get inspired by them, listen to them, learn from them, they know something you don't.
People often argue that the wealthy should give more to charity or that their lifestyles contribute to pollution. But again, this is based on assumptions. Perhaps they do donate generously but prefer to do so quietly. And while it’s true that their lifestyle choices may have an environmental impact, are they also doing more good in other ways?
Take climate change, for example. It’s a critical issue, but private transportation is just a small part of the problem. The biggest contributors to emissions are industry and shipping. Yes, if everyone stopped using private transport and switched to public transit, emissions might decrease. But that would also introduce new challenges, such as inadequate public transportation infrastructure and the loss of personal freedom to travel as you wish. The solution to climate change lies in cleaner fuels and more sustainable industry practices, not in restricting individual freedom and forcing people to stay home.
A well-known millionaire once remarked, "Whenever I buy my thirtieth supercar, people are quick to criticize, telling me I should donate to charity or that my 'pointless driving pollutes the environment.' But what’s the point of having wealth if you can’t enjoy it? What’s the value in achieving success if you can’t enjoy the rewards? The way I see it, while I may not be able to single-handedly solve climate change, the taxes I pay on my purchases enable the government to make a real impact."
Why the Wealthy Prioritize Safety and Privacy
Wealthy individuals place a high value on their safety—and for good reason. They understand that their success often attracts envy, and with that comes the risk of others wanting what they have. This is why they tend to avoid crowds, as it makes them feel vulnerable. They often choose to travel privately, not only for safety reasons but also because their time is incredibly valuable. Waiting around for commercial flights simply isn’t an option when every minute counts. Is this behavior wrong? I would argue no. If you were in their position, you’d likely make the same choices.
The True Value of Time: Why Entrepreneurs Guard It Fiercely
Depending on a wealthy person's profession, their time can be incredibly precious. This varies based on what they do, of course, but there’s truth in the saying, "When you become an entrepreneur, you stop working 9-5 and start working 24/7." That’s because the nature of their work changes—when you’re your own boss, work often spills over into what others might consider free time.
Take, for example, a singer. Some might think they only "work" when they’re on stage performing. In reality, their day is packed with vocal training, rehearsals, studio sessions, songwriting, exercise, and maintaining their appearance—much more than just the performance itself.
Or consider a social media content creator. Their day is filled with brainstorming ideas, filming, editing, staging, and countless other tasks that demand constant attention.
If you’re a business owner, your day is a nonstop stream of calls, meetings, problem-solving, and planning. You’re constantly seeking solutions, making decisions, and strategizing for the future.
When you work for yourself, you quickly learn to value your time above all else. The more you invest in your work, the more you stand to gain. Even if your schedule seems flexible, there are always a million things demanding your attention. You might take a break to jet ski in Dubai or relax on a yacht, but work—and the tasks left undone—will follow you wherever you go.
Entrepreneurs share a few key traits: they value their time, they have little interest in trivial matters, and they dislike having their time wasted. They focus on what’s important to them, seeking meaningful conversations and surrounding themselves with people who add value to their lives.
So the next time you see someone flying a private jet or enjoying themselves on a yacht. Remember this, remember that they have stress and their time is valuable. So let them be.
The Complexities of Wealth and Relationships
Wealth can complicate relationships in unexpected ways. When you’re rich, it becomes challenging to form genuine connections because many people may be more interested in your money or the status that comes with being associated with you. This is why the saying goes, "There are 30 seats on a bus, but only 2 in a Lamborghini." Success often leads to losing friends—only the true ones stick around. Real friends are those who stay by your side and support you even during tough times.
This shift in your social circle is one of the reasons why successful people continue to thrive. As your circle evolves, you find yourself surrounded by individuals who inspire you, share your vision, and are eager to help others succeed. This supportive network plays a significant role in maintaining and amplifying success.
Money and success also tend to attract romantic interest because you become someone with stories, ambitions, and achievements—all of which are inherently attractive. However, it can be difficult to discern whether someone is genuinely interested in you or just in your wealth. Paying close attention to their behavior and intentions is crucial.
Family and friends may also come to you for financial help, which can strain relationships. A good rule of thumb is to give only when you genuinely feel inclined to, not just because it’s expected or requested. Offering support should come from a place of willingness, not obligation. Many rich people have said that the best feeling in the world is when you can help your loved ones. Imagine the pleasure you can achieve when you pay off your parents' debts, or give them the freedom and financial independence they have always wanted. Imagine how good it feels when you can actually do great things for your loved ones. But it has to come from your own desire, otherwise it will ruin your relationship.
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