In the modern Western world, the question ’what does it mean to be rich?‘ is answered differently than it would be by a resident of the Amazon in South America.
But even within Europe there are surely many different answers to this question.
For many, wealth is equivalent to material wealth in the form of lots of money in the bank, a yacht of their own or owning an impressive piece of real estate.
This ownership is so important to many because it comes with a good position in the social ranking.
By now, though, in Europe and across the entire Western world there is also the view that material possessions alone don't make people happy.
People with this view would then claim, for example, that someone who is rich is someone who has a lot of free time in which to pursue meaningful activities.
Or someone who has discovered their rich spiritual side, which they can now nurture and live out.

What being rich means under capitalism

Capitalism is always about maximizing profit. For the proponents and sympathizers of this ideology, it's important to keep getting richer. Standing still means falling behind for them. They are restless people, always driven by material success. They always know the price of everything, but have no idea of true values.

This mindset is responsible for continents like Africa, but also large parts of South America, still sinking into poverty.
For a very few to be rich, that is, rich in capital, there have to be very many living below the poverty line.
Asked ’what does it mean to be rich,‘ a capitalist might perhaps respond with the following bullet points:

  • A yacht in the Mediterranean
  • Their own estate in an attractive world metropolis
  • A big garage with lots of expensive, stylish cars
  • A vacation home in an exquisite location
  • Several staff members who look after the houses, the entertaining and the yacht
  • Membership in an upscale golf club

What does it mean to be rich

What being rich means for a rainforest dweller

A rainforest dweller can of course be just as materialistic as a banker in London.
He won't own a yacht, because the possibility of acquiring one doesn't exist in his world. But despite the material side that shapes his life, because he has to go hunting and kill animals to feed his family, for example, the spiritual plays a big role for him. He feels his existence depends on the favor of the forest gods.
He would then answer the question ’what does it mean to be rich‘ with the following bullet points:

  • The chance to catch lots of fish every day
  • A fishing boat without a hole in it
  • Two beautiful and hardworking wives
  • A son who has picked up the hunting techniques from him and can therefore feed the family later
  • A good relationship with the gods of the forest
  • Few floods