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I recently read an article that really made me sit back, pause, and think. While I have no real way of validating this statistic, apparently I’m one of the wealthiest one percent of people in the entire world. This is according to findings by the asset manager UBS (formerly Credit Suisse) in their latest Global Wealth Report.
This blows my mind. I’m just a regular guy with no airs and graces about me, who likes a bit of “craic” and a Guinness with a few friends. It speaks volumes about the massive disparity and advantages those of us in reasonably affluent Western first-world nations enjoy. And yet, we complain…a lot. Maybe we should practice some gratitude and mindfulness for the privileged lives we have? Let’s take a few examples of this somewhat unnoticed wealth and how it enables us in life.
We complain about the ever-increasing cost of tertiary learning, but millions of young people in poorer nations dream of having the opportunity for this privilege. The very opportunity to pursue such an education, even at a secondary level, remains an unattainable dream—a pathway out of poverty they can only long for. This stark contrast underscores the immense advantage we often take for granted. For us, it’s a financial hurdle; for the vast majority, it’s a wishful dream that will never be fulfilled. The privilege of learning is a blessing.
Another big one that comes to mind is our world-class health systems. We understandably complain about the cost, but for millions globally, such care—from emergency services to advanced treatments—is a distant dream. It’s often entirely unavailable or prohibitively expensive, leading to mothers breaking their hearts from the loss of a beautiful child, all for the want of a simple antibiotic. Our advantage is stark and disturbing.
Can we have a better democratic society than we currently experience? I’m sure it’s very possible within reason, but we still complain about the systems of government we have. I think I can state without a doubt that millions dream of, fight for, and perish in pursuit of the very basic democratic freedoms and political stability that we take for granted. We have privileged lives.
The examples are endless: from the simple ability to switch on a light without fear of a blackout, to the freedom to express our opinions without reprisal, or even choosing what we eat. These aren’t just conveniences; they are advantages that shape our daily existence in ways we rarely appreciate. I’ve won the geographical lottery, and so have you. There’s no need to complain about that.
You might be wondering what this essay is all about, and to be honest, I’m not entirely sure. I don’t think it’s about guilt. If anything, it’s probably about perspective and recognizing that my struggles and yours are real but exist within a framework of underlying advantages that others can only dream of. Maybe I think we should have a deeper sense of gratitude for the opportunities we take for granted. I’m not really sure, but knowing my elevated position in the 1% club is an enlightening experience.
Perhaps the next time I complain about a minor inconvenience, I’ll try to pause and consider that my “inconvenience” might be an unimaginable luxury for many millions around the world. I’m only one person and don’t have any ability to change the world, but I can, at the very least, acknowledge my privileged position. This position was achieved in part through my own hard work and financial discipline, but most of all, through the lucky break of birth. It isn’t much to offer, but it’s a start.
I tell my kids this all the time, and urge them to give back / pay forward whenever possible. I have seen desperate poverty, and it is horrendous.
hi
You may have a privileged life, but many millions in the US do not. You 1%’ers may have great healthcare, but the US system lags behind many other nations when it comes to covering citizens. We do not have the best healthcare system in then world. The current administration is looking to dismantle The ACA and millions will be hurt. Freedom of speech is being challenged as you write this. Yes, we have supermarkets, but many cannot afford to shop in them. Come on, you are looking at it as if everyone has what you have. Many Americans live as poorly as those in other countries, and it is getting worse under this administration. No, you cannot express your opinion without reprisal. See Stephen Colbert and Jimmy Kimmel. The US is going backwards, and you only see what you, as a 1%er, has. Look at what others do not have. You mention children elsewhere dying for need of a simple antibiotic. Well, RFK and his cohorts are doing their best to see we become an unvaccinated country, which will lead to many of the same problems other countries tries have. So, what exactly is your inconvenience you are writing about?
Compared to many places in the world, I’d suggest that every American lives a somewhat privileged life.
Certainly, knowing what we each know, we may decide that some other places may be better for us. However, the U.S. is a large and diverse country with freedom to travel and relocate.
I’ve lived in very small communities, upscale suburbs and very large and smaller cities. One challenge is developing an appetite and a skill set that allows us to use that freedom to choose.
I can truthfully state that everywhere I have lived has had imperfections, and there have been dissatisfied residents, too.