It’s OK to Be Rich, But Let’s Not Worship It

Being rich isn’t a sin—after all, wealth often comes from hard work, innovation, and a bit of luck. Yet, when society starts to put rich people on a pedestal, we risk normalizing exclusive systems that leave many behind. The reality is that while financial success can drive progress and create jobs, glorifying wealth without questioning its role in our communities can lead to unintended consequences.

It’s natural to admire those who’ve made it big. After all, rags-to-riches stories are both inspiring and aspirational. However, when we start to equate wealth with ultimate virtue, we inadvertently create a culture where success is measured solely by bank balances. This mentality underpins systems where elite institutions—like certain private schools and universities—become clubs accessible only to the wealthy. Not everyone can experience these exclusive opportunities, and this gatekeeping further deepens societal divides.

For example, studies have shown that when success is defined narrowly by financial metrics, social mobility suffers. Elite institutions, funded largely by the rich, can create an uneven playing field that limits opportunities for those without such access. While having rich role models is fine, putting them on an uncritical pedestal can obscure the importance of inclusive and equitable opportunities for all.

The Myth of Trickle-Down Economics

Another issue that emerges from this worship of wealth is the persistence of the trickle-down economics myth—the idea that benefits given to the rich will eventually “trickle down” to everyone else. However, research and real-world data have repeatedly debunked this theory. In fact, a study noted by the International Monetary Fund has found that raising the income share of the top 20% can actually slow economic growth, while boosting the income share of the bottom 20% tends to promote it. This indicates that when wealth is concentrated at the top, it doesn’t automatically generate broad-based prosperity; rather, it may exacerbate inequality and stifle sustainable growth (oxfam.org).

Thomas Piketty’s seminal work, Capital in the Twenty-First Century, also challenges the notion that the rich’s success will benefit all. Piketty argues that when the return on capital outpaces economic growth—a scenario often seen in modern economies—it leads to an ever-increasing concentration of wealth. This not only fuels inequality but also reinforces the idea that the wealthy should be idolized, rather than their success examined in a broader social context (en.wikipedia.org).

Celebrating Success Without Exalting Wealth

The key takeaway is not to condemn wealth outright—after all, economic success can be a powerful engine for progress, innovation, and positive social change. Instead, we must balance our admiration for individual achievement with a critical view of how concentrated wealth affects society. Recognizing that elite “clubs” in education and other sectors limit access for many, we can advocate for policies that promote more inclusive opportunities.

In other words, while it’s perfectly fine to be rich, our collective focus should be on building a society where success isn’t measured solely by one’s bank balance but also by how widely its benefits are shared. Supporting progressive taxation and public policies that expand access to quality education and healthcare can help level the playing field—and in doing so, pave the way for a happier, more equitable society.

Final Thoughts

There’s no denying that wealth can drive remarkable achievements. However, when we uncritically celebrate financial success without examining its wider social impacts, we risk reinforcing systems that benefit only a select few. By debunking myths like trickle-down economics and by challenging the exclusivity of elite institutions, we can forge a path toward a society that values both individual success and collective well-being.

By striking this balance, we celebrate the spirit of entrepreneurship and innovation without losing sight of the broader goal: creating an inclusive world where prosperity is shared by all.