23 of 70

Intelligent

Write now Article Tools

There are several obvious reasons why being intelligent beats out being poor. For example, if you are not intelligent and born rich, you could waste all your money and wind up poor and stupid. Moreover, even if you are poor and intelligent, your survival is never at risk. You will have the intelligence to find solutions. Finally, it is more likely that a poor person will work their way to wealth than that a stupid person will work their way to intelligence over their lifetime.

There is also, however, a much more important reason. That is pride and self respect. Even if you are moderately intelligent, but incredibly rich at birth, you will deal with this. Every time you achieve something, every time you sieze an opportunity, you will question whether you deserved it or got it because of your socioeconomic status. The reality is, those born wealthy are at a great benefit in our society, and everyone knows that. No success that someone born rich attains can ever go untainted by that reality. Not only will the jealous, less fortunate members of society say, "Well, if I had been born with millions, I could have done the same thing," or "It's easy to do that when you don't have to worry about where your next meal is coming from," but for most of the rich and successful, they will start to believe it.

Everybody needs a pat on the back every once in a while, and for those born wealthy, those pats on the back often come with conditions or hesitations.

On the other hand, the poor, but intelligent person's pats on the backs become, if anything, more meaningful. Society commends them not only for their success, but also for the obstacles they overcame to achieve that success. Rightfully so. The intelligent poor person can be very proud of what they've achieved, because they know they fought and worked hard for it. Also, they can appreciate smaller steps. While the rich need a million dollar idea to be recognized, or to feel like they have accomplished something, the same is not true for the poor. The poor are applauded for a $100 idea, or a $1,000 idea. This constant sense of reward and accomplishment provides ongoing positive reinforcement and motivation. More importantly, it leads to happiness. Although there may be a drive to do more, there is also a sense of having done something on your own, which neither the stupid or the rich attain as easily.

Learn more about this author, Zach F.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

Add your voice

Know something about Would you rather be born rich or intelligent??
We want to hear your view. Write now!