Why aren’t Rich People Anxious?

This question might be self-explanatory for some, but sometimes, I do wonder the essence of anxiety and the source of stress—as there is a balance between materialistic stability, and also mental stability. My theory is that because rich people’s wealth bring them stability materialistically, they will stop worrying about life on a daily basis, which gives them their laid-back approach to life. If we follow this logic, we can also understand why the poor are anxious and stressed about life easily, as their life materialistically, will not give them the capacity to lay-back and remain calm when in times of need. However, I believe that we should not use wealth as the sole factor to evaluate one’s strength in mentality—there is a balance between both materialistic and mental wellbeing.

First, we have to accept that money is the base of everything. Without it, we would not be able to live, eat, and breathe safely. This is how our society works—survival unfortunately does not depend on adherence to the law and morality (perceived by the general public). However, one with enough money and a stable life in materialistic senses, will start exploring the next stage in life, which is what makes them comfortable and happy. This is when we start to see them happy and laid-back about their lives, as they have enough to make them survive, and all they need to worry about is what will enhance that, and their mental wellbeing. Some may refer to this pattern as the Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, which highlights the importance of one first achieving materialistic wellbeing, then pursuing mental wellbeing.

Next, we start to discover our passions and joys in life. At this stage, if one can do so without worrying about the potential reduction of their materialistic well-being, this may be seen as the lack of anxiety, as they will be able to gain mental satisfaction without affecting the materialistic. However, this does not mean only the wealthy can achieve this, the poor can also achieve mental satisfaction with their lives, once they discover what is their passion, and how they would like to do it.

Materialistic peace does not mean peace of mind—people can live in the biggest and finest mansions of the world while still worry and get anxious of their body image because they scroll on the internet too much. This is not an equation, it is a shift in mentality and finding a balance between reality and idealism.