A new vision of wealth:

MSN Money has posted an astonishing article on a new survey of wealth for individuals in the world - it can be found here: http://articles.moneycentral.msn.com/News/StudyRevealsOverwhelmingWealthGap.aspx?GT1=8816

I find this astonishing because in the new study, which accounts for actual capital in hand (not equity or land or other various "riches", but pure, cold cash), minus expenses, shows that if you have just $2,100, congratulations - you're wealthier than HALF the people in the world. That's correct, you read that right - if you have a little over 2k in the bank, you're rich. In our world today, roughly 3 billion people live on less than $2 dollars a DAY. Here in America, countless millions spend around $4 just at Caribou Coffee or $tarbuck$ every day on their way to work. What's more, the three richest people (turns out they're men) in the world, with their wealth combined, are wealthier than the poorest 48 nations combined.

What's the point of all this? Simply to put a few things in perspective. For one, we're all now thoroughly wealthier than we think. Two, we certainly don't need as much as we think we do; true, I wouldn't have my fancy new computer to play games on (which I saved up for, by the way, and purchased w/money I had, just like in the olden days, instead of using too-easy-to-abuse credit), but hundreds and hundreds of millions live out their lives daily w/out worrying what "devil" boss of theirs wears Prada, or is sporting a new Lexus LS. Of course, many do not have the proper health care, housing, clothing, or insurance necessary for a life of relatively easy and worry-free living that we in the West enjoy so much, which leads me to: Three, perhaps we can afford to dole out a little more money to the local charity we support (or would like to support) than we think. And remember, this study doesn't take into account our cars, houses, clothing, electronics, diamond rings and earrings, and everything else we've acquired.

Yes, it certainly does matter what country one is born in. Here in America, we're guaranteed a wealthier existence simply because it's America. Even those in poverty are wealthier than many others in foreign. But perhaps now the rest of us can begin to shift some of that unevenness to our fellow humans, certainly here at home, and abroad as well, and help them out financially. Not to help gain them the next iPod, mind you, but perhaps better education, healthcare, clothing, etc., so they in turn will be more capable of taking care of themselves, live in an educated environment, and therefore be able to live sustanably by themselves. I don't necessarily believe that simply giving out piles of cash would do it, of course, but perhaps donating funds to increase public education schools and programs, supporting large revisions of industries (pollution control and renewable energy to name just two) to create jobs, and finding more interesting and constructive ways to utilize our cash flow may be a large step in the right direction.