[gajjanag]

> I know of folks that own Audis and Mercs, but live next to a dumping yard. Now what is the point of having all that money, when you get see/smell only filth most of your life.

The point is that one gets to compare it against the general population and thereby satisfy one's own ego. Generally, cars are a nice instrument for showing off wealth: they are highly visible. Homes are another excellent example.

You highlight very well the absurdity of valuing such monetary wealth in a context where it makes little sense.