The Desire For Wealth is Really About the Desire to be Free

In my five-year study on the rich and poor, I took a lot of notes on the 356 people I interviewed. I asked both groups 144 questions. One of those questions was about being rich or their desire to be rich. Most people in both groups did want to be rich. I asked why. Here are some of the responses from both groups:

• “I want to be free from the stress of constantly worrying about money”
• “I want to be free to do what I want to do”
• “I want to be free to travel wherever I want”
• “I don’t like my job. Getting rich means I no longer have to do this work”
• “I want to be happy”
• “I don’t want to have to pay rent anymore”
• “I want to be free from all of my debt”
• “I don’t want to have a mortgage anymore”
• “I want to help my family financially”
• “I’m tired of living in a shack in a crappy neighborhood. I want a nice home for my family in a nice neighborhood”
• “I want to be able to send my kids to the best private schools and college. I want my kids to have a better education so they can be successful”
• “I don’t want to work anymore”
• “I want to be able to do more fun things”
• Many wanted to be able to live in the following places: by the ocean, on the water, on a lake, in a gated community, in a warmer climate, by a ski resort, in NYC, in Florida, etc.

When I studied these responses, I began to see a common theme – Freedom. Money buys you freedom. Freedom from worry, freedom from debt, freedom from poverty or freedom from work. It buys you the freedom to do the things you want to do in life. It buys you the freedom to help others, to explore, to pursue things that interest you. Freedom puts you in charge of your time. Getting rich sets you free. Who doesn’t want to be free? That’s the real WHY behind most everyone’s desire to be rich.

Be Sociable, Share!

• 
•