Pity the Rich

Possessions cause weakness

The strongest of us stands alone and possesses nothing. “Pity the wealthy for their possessions make them weak.”

Possessions reflect the character, morals, and principles of the owner or, more accurately, the custodian. However, the attributes of their value, status and desirability may only be assigned by others.

For example, gold to the Aztecs was a commonplace metal and consequently of little value, but to others, especially the Conquistadores, it was considered precious and highly prized. Worth dying for.

It may also be said that the acquisition of possessions creates a dependency and once a Thing is acquired, imposes obligations upon the possessor for upkeep and security, for example.

Whilst a Thing can sometimes give pleasure along with a sense of achievement and social superiority, it is also evident that the weight of responsibility inherent in ownership is often greater than any reward the Thing itself may bring. In the end possessions, beyond those necessary to survive, make it impossible for an individual to simply Be.

One of the notable implications of owning things is that possessions extend the owner’s footprint beyond their physical existence. Possessing a Thing makes its owner and, consequently, everything the owner does, more widely visible to the world. Paparrazi follow the money! Wealthy people consume more, they accumulate more, and their footprint is so large, that they can’t hide or fade into the background. To keep up with their ever-increasing responsibilities they must gather more and more people into the service of their possessions. The greater the number of possessions the larger the impression and the more physical resources such as money, they must expend to preserve their autonomy and sense of self.

It’s a vicious circle.

Everything comes from the Earth and the Earth belongs to everyone in equal measure nevertheless, wealthy people claim more of it for themselves often to the detriment of everyone else. However, rather than hating them for their exploitation perhaps we should spare some compassion for their weakness.

With more of everything, including enemies, it must at times feel like their possessions, and the obligations they bring, are consuming them.

Their vast abundance of Things both exposes and enfeebles them. What’s more, the weakest amongst them are those who develop covetous obsessions for what others have, especially those of us who own precious little and what we do have is essential for our survival.

Linked: Guzzlers

Picture: Pinterest In pursuit of the sublime
References: Why getting rid of possessions can feel so freeing

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