Becoming Wealthy and Maintaining Elegance: A Path to Humility
Would discovering wealth change you into a snob, or would it merely emphasize your existing personality traits? This question has puzzled many, including me. I have always been an individual who dislikes ostentatious displays of wealth and maintains a certain level of disdain for those who flaunt their riches. Here’s my perspective on what wealth means to me and how it would impact my life.
The Impact of Wealth on Character
The changes in life circumstances undoubtedly influence one’s character. I’ve observed this phenomenon in various people and have come to realize that wealth can alter a person in unexpected ways. With this understanding, I’ve made a promise to myself. If I ever became wealthy, I would ensure that my lifestyle reflected my values rather than the superficial symbols of wealth.
Strategies for Maintaining Humility
Firstly, I would form an LLC to keep my wealth hidden and continue to invest it strategically. Key strategies include buying properties and renting them out to ensure my wealth works for me. Beyond that, my personal lifestyle would remain the same. No fancy cars, no mansions, and certainly no gold chains. This deliberate avoidance of ostentatious displays of wealth would serve as my declaration that showcasing wealth is vulgar.
I would continue to live a simple life, visiting thrift stores and enjoying a few more meals with my family. Rather than flaunting my riches, I would feel blessed and humbled. The way I envision myself living is inspired by the late Tejano singer, Selena. After her untimely death, it was revealed that she lived in a modest home in a nice, upper-middle-class neighborhood. The house was very unassuming, with no expensive cars or flashy decor. Her modesty was so well-kept that one neighbor remarked, 'Not until the day she died did we know we were living next to a millionaire'. This epitomizes the humble life I would aim to live.
Self-Proclaimed Snobbery
Indeed, I am already a snob and a self-proclaimed elitist. However, these traits are not my fault. I enjoy the quality and taste in beer that others dislike. I have a fondness for Sam Adams and Heineken, while Coors and Bud Light simply do not meet my approval. Similarly, my disdain for some people's preferences in items such as gold toilets is rooted in a belief that they lack taste and class. I observe and judge people based on their manners, books, and behavior.
Continuity in Wealth and Values
Even with a substantial influx of wealth, I would retain my current likes and dislikes. For many things, I would not change, but perhaps there might be some exceptions. My fundamental values, however, would guide my actions. I would not let wealth cloud my judgment or make me arrogant. Instead, I would feel grateful for the opportunities it provides and continue to live simply and honestly.
Sure, sometimes this mindset creates humorous situations. For instance, when I walk the dog, a neighbor might joke, 'Is this before or after you walk the dog?' This reflects the stark contrast between my more humble lifestyle and the grand lifestyle some might imagine for someone with my values and background. But, to be honest, I wouldn’t change who I am, and I would continue to live with a certain level of snobbery and elitism.
Ultimately, these character traits will serve as a reminder that true grace lies in humility and maintaining one’s values, regardless of wealth.