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by te_platt 3237 days ago
I have a little brother and a brother in law who each went from bad financial situations to making a lot of money in a relatively short time. By a lot I mean much more than I make, and I do pretty well. I found it strange that I was both happy for them and resentful at the same time. We got along well before and after their success and I never felt like they became arrogant or condescending. I think my resentment came from having to face up to my own mistakes and weaknesses. Maybe there were reasons they were more successful than I was; that it wasn't just luck. Thankfully the resentment has long since faded.

The experience also made me think what would happen if you were at a party with a large group of friends. God appears and gives everyone with a birthday on an odd numbered day a million dollars then leaves with no explanation. How happy for their friends are the people who didn't get anything? They are no worse off but I can't help thinking they would be happy.
3 comments
sushisource 3237 days ago
Wouldn't be happy, I think you mean in your last sentence. You're almost certainly right. Resentment is built into our DNA:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=meiU6TxysCg

Of course, it doesn't mean we shouldn't try to be better people than shitty, jealous little monkeys.

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peatmoss 3236 days ago
Strictly speaking, the purchasing power of those millionaire party people would be increasing, while your purchasing power would not. So, you might expect to be outcompeted for goods and services as well as for costs to rise.

On the other hand, if we could tax the God-windfall at a high rate, then we could put those dollars toward social services and helping the most vulnerable members of society. :-)

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totalZero 3237 days ago
Strictly from a selfish perspective, it's in your best interest to have rich friends and family, rather than poor friends and family... even if your own personal economic status is the same in both circumstances.
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firethief 3237 days ago
Unfortunately, you'll lose most of the newly rich friends
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totalZero 3236 days ago
I don't buy that. What makes you think so?
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