Super-luxe French retailer Hermes has just unveiled its latest creation: a miniature diamond-studded Birkin handbag with a price tag of £1.2million. I have no problem with objects of beauty. But there is a point at which conspicuous consumption reaches a level of obscenity.
The super-rich, who will snap up these mini totes, live on a different planet to the rest of us. A planet on which everything is focused on acquisition and finding ever more divinely exclusive artefacts on which to spend their billions.
And while there are many wealthy people who have become philanthropists, there seem just as many who quietly enjoy their money without giving much of it away. Their decision, obviously, but as leading philanthropist Bill Gates said: “I believe with great wealth comes great responsibility – the responsibility to give back to society and make sure those resources are given back in the best possible way, to those in need.”
It comes down to values – not of the financial kind, but those qualities by which you measure your self-worth. If your values include altruism, compassion, empathy and being of service then vast personal wealth is likely to feel more of a burden.
I’m never likely to be able to afford a million-pound trinket, nor would I want one. When I read about the latest ordinary couple to have won the EuroMillions I don’t think: “Wow, I wish that was me,” I think: “I hope they received proper counselling”.
Of course, a certain amount of money is necessary for survival, peace of mind and freedom. But beyond that, inner wealth is what really matters. And by that I mean living in alignment with your deepest truth; being connected to your inner wisdom; healthy self-care; physical, psychological and emotional balance; and the ability to use your strengths and gifts in the world.
As Coco Chanel once said: “There are people who have money and people who are rich.” And you don’t need a diamond-studded rose-gold handbag to be rich.
Leave a Reply