This year for Easter my partner's friend invited a bunch of us out to a country estate she is house sitting. From the moment I arrived, the driveway, framed by trees, gave me a sense of magic and wonder. The home, built in the the early 1900's, had a romantic, English-styled interior and exterior. It also included an infinity pool and tennis court, all situated on a generous piece of land. Even though grand in size, I felt welcomed with the familiar ambiance of warmth and cosiness, a feeling every home should have.
I'm the kind of person who doesn't need others around me but enjoys it none the less. The large space intimidating to some however captivated me. Every corner of the house a place to utilise; a possible area to create and explore. I could very easily see myself reading in one corner and painting in another. The large area meant we were able to comfortably sit together, all eleven of us playing board games before enjoying a drink and discussion. When we weren't all gathered in the living room we were cooking, playing on the tennis court, shooting hoops, swimming or relishing the fresh country air. The option of space meant we could enjoy the occasional time to ourselves as well. The allure of fresh air, space, relaxation and strong sense of community left me wanting more.
Towards the end of the night the question of "how much is too much" came up. We all discussed whether the place we were staying was too excessive for our own individual tastes. The house was large with a chandelier hanging in almost every corner. A few friends all agreed how big it is, that they would want a few children and/or guests to fill it on a regular basis.
During the discussion I couldn't help but wonder if the current housing crisis was impacting the way we perceived wealth. July of last year saw a 85 percent increase in price from the previous four years, undoubtedly sending a rippling affect to surrounding areas. Rent prices began to climb thus sending people into panic with the shortage of choice and quality. Homes have become more crammed with more people and families taking to sleeping in their cars or on the streets. Buying homes in Auckland has quickly become a luxury to many. An ordinary house once selling for a reasonable price, now something only the wealthy can afford. So what could possibly justify owning a house so many people would consider to be unnecessary and excessive?
When we were discussing the influence wealth has on ones existence, a few of us mentioned the positive and negative effects wealth personally had on our lives. My past has taught me many things. One, we all have struggles in life no matter our financial status, and secondly that we are a product of our families values, morals and beliefs. We either follow them with pride or run in the opposite direction yelling how much better we can do. In the discussion I made the point that as parents you do the best you can; that raising a child/children in a luxurious lifestyle isn't as confined as some people may think.
If I was in the position of such wealth, I would teach my children the following:
-That they do not need to carry on the wealthy lifestyle that their parents do but grow to be kind people.
-You are not defined by the amount of wealth you have but what good you do with it. It doesn't matter how much money you have or how nice your things are, what matters is the respect you have for people, animals and the environment.
-To be charitable, generous and selfless. If you have the opportunity and means to help then you should.
-That nothing in life is free - everything is a product of hard work. From the hours people spent making what they have to the hours their family spent working to afford such things.
-Nothing is guaranteed. You do not control your future and at any moment there could be reason for you to lose everything. That you should always take this into consideration, remembering to value and appreciate everything you have in life.
-The importance of working. That they must take responsibility in doing their chores, keeping their spaces clean and tidy as children. As adults they must be able to sustain their lifestyle and living costs by being smart with their money and thinking about how they spend it. They must be resourceful and know how to budget sensibly.
-They aren't restricted to the preconceived ideas of only situating themselves with people of similar status, they can have friends from all walks of life. That they can be a part of any club or group that interests them as long as it is legal and has a respectful culture. Too many wealthy people think the rules don't apply to them.
-That money shouldn't lead you towards bad habits and addictions such as alcohol, drugs, smoking and gambling. Alcohol is fine when consumed in moderation, commonly included at social gatherings. Drugs should be used as a cure/relief of bad health rather than a tool for recreation.
Growing up I mostly heard about how magniloquent the wealthy were. Well-dressed people who held their noses towards the sky, people who wouldn't give you the time of day unless you were of their ranking. Then as I got older and learnt more about people, cultures and societies, my understanding of wealth entered a new chapter. I came across people who were genuine, polite, caring, down-to-earth and charitable - all qualities I admire. These people had everything I could possibly aspire to - loving, respectable and talented families who were well-educated. Their children knew how to play musical instruments beautifully and/or participated skillfully in sports. Their homes decorated with the finest furniture and art, always with a full cupboard of food, clean and organised, but above all else felt safe and warm.
What is wealth? Type "Wealth" into Google and you get "an abundance of valuable possessions or money." Wealth can mean a lot of things to a lot of different people, whether it be an obsession or goal.The thought of wealth may be exuberant, preposterous or even a curse, the list endless. One thing I know about people is that every given answer or opinion, no matter how similar it sounds, is completely different. From the moment we come into this world to the moment we leave, we will never be able to completely understand or see the world the way another does. So why bother asking questions at all? I suppose we ask questions to expand, develop and challenge our perception of reality, maybe to gain a better understanding of humanity.
Looking back on the discussion held between friends during Easter weekend definitely had me thinking about life as an adult and wanting to re-evaluate old goals. Is wealth necessary? No. Is wealth the answer to complete happiness? No. Wealth is something we can use to provide opportunity. Opportunity to give, create, protect, preserve, to make the world a better place.
I'm the kind of person who doesn't need others around me but enjoys it none the less. The large space intimidating to some however captivated me. Every corner of the house a place to utilise; a possible area to create and explore. I could very easily see myself reading in one corner and painting in another. The large area meant we were able to comfortably sit together, all eleven of us playing board games before enjoying a drink and discussion. When we weren't all gathered in the living room we were cooking, playing on the tennis court, shooting hoops, swimming or relishing the fresh country air. The option of space meant we could enjoy the occasional time to ourselves as well. The allure of fresh air, space, relaxation and strong sense of community left me wanting more.
Towards the end of the night the question of "how much is too much" came up. We all discussed whether the place we were staying was too excessive for our own individual tastes. The house was large with a chandelier hanging in almost every corner. A few friends all agreed how big it is, that they would want a few children and/or guests to fill it on a regular basis.
During the discussion I couldn't help but wonder if the current housing crisis was impacting the way we perceived wealth. July of last year saw a 85 percent increase in price from the previous four years, undoubtedly sending a rippling affect to surrounding areas. Rent prices began to climb thus sending people into panic with the shortage of choice and quality. Homes have become more crammed with more people and families taking to sleeping in their cars or on the streets. Buying homes in Auckland has quickly become a luxury to many. An ordinary house once selling for a reasonable price, now something only the wealthy can afford. So what could possibly justify owning a house so many people would consider to be unnecessary and excessive?
When we were discussing the influence wealth has on ones existence, a few of us mentioned the positive and negative effects wealth personally had on our lives. My past has taught me many things. One, we all have struggles in life no matter our financial status, and secondly that we are a product of our families values, morals and beliefs. We either follow them with pride or run in the opposite direction yelling how much better we can do. In the discussion I made the point that as parents you do the best you can; that raising a child/children in a luxurious lifestyle isn't as confined as some people may think.
If I was in the position of such wealth, I would teach my children the following:
-That they do not need to carry on the wealthy lifestyle that their parents do but grow to be kind people.
-You are not defined by the amount of wealth you have but what good you do with it. It doesn't matter how much money you have or how nice your things are, what matters is the respect you have for people, animals and the environment.
-To be charitable, generous and selfless. If you have the opportunity and means to help then you should.
-That nothing in life is free - everything is a product of hard work. From the hours people spent making what they have to the hours their family spent working to afford such things.
-Nothing is guaranteed. You do not control your future and at any moment there could be reason for you to lose everything. That you should always take this into consideration, remembering to value and appreciate everything you have in life.
-The importance of working. That they must take responsibility in doing their chores, keeping their spaces clean and tidy as children. As adults they must be able to sustain their lifestyle and living costs by being smart with their money and thinking about how they spend it. They must be resourceful and know how to budget sensibly.
-They aren't restricted to the preconceived ideas of only situating themselves with people of similar status, they can have friends from all walks of life. That they can be a part of any club or group that interests them as long as it is legal and has a respectful culture. Too many wealthy people think the rules don't apply to them.
-That money shouldn't lead you towards bad habits and addictions such as alcohol, drugs, smoking and gambling. Alcohol is fine when consumed in moderation, commonly included at social gatherings. Drugs should be used as a cure/relief of bad health rather than a tool for recreation.
Growing up I mostly heard about how magniloquent the wealthy were. Well-dressed people who held their noses towards the sky, people who wouldn't give you the time of day unless you were of their ranking. Then as I got older and learnt more about people, cultures and societies, my understanding of wealth entered a new chapter. I came across people who were genuine, polite, caring, down-to-earth and charitable - all qualities I admire. These people had everything I could possibly aspire to - loving, respectable and talented families who were well-educated. Their children knew how to play musical instruments beautifully and/or participated skillfully in sports. Their homes decorated with the finest furniture and art, always with a full cupboard of food, clean and organised, but above all else felt safe and warm.
What is wealth? Type "Wealth" into Google and you get "an abundance of valuable possessions or money." Wealth can mean a lot of things to a lot of different people, whether it be an obsession or goal.The thought of wealth may be exuberant, preposterous or even a curse, the list endless. One thing I know about people is that every given answer or opinion, no matter how similar it sounds, is completely different. From the moment we come into this world to the moment we leave, we will never be able to completely understand or see the world the way another does. So why bother asking questions at all? I suppose we ask questions to expand, develop and challenge our perception of reality, maybe to gain a better understanding of humanity.
Looking back on the discussion held between friends during Easter weekend definitely had me thinking about life as an adult and wanting to re-evaluate old goals. Is wealth necessary? No. Is wealth the answer to complete happiness? No. Wealth is something we can use to provide opportunity. Opportunity to give, create, protect, preserve, to make the world a better place.
This is a fascinating incite that is thought provoking and indeed inspiring to see such a positive take on wealth and the benefits it can bring to not just ourselves but to be used to make the world a better place.
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