Stationhill.com

Non-Fiction

Differences of Wealth

Essay by Kim Becker

There can be a wealth of love and compassion or a wealth of money. The word wealth can be described in many different ways. One definition states, a great quantity or store of money, valuable possessions, property, or other riches. Another says an abundance or profusion of anything; plentiful amount. When I think of wealth, I think of all the love that surrounds me by my family. Wealth doesn’t have to be seen or measured by the amount of money or materialistic items you have.

A person drives up to their 3-story house and parks their Mercedes-Benz in the 5-car garage. They have everything they could ever want and more. They don’t have to worry about saving money or what to buy. They have their fancy cars and mansions. When seeing people like this, it makes me think of wealth in the terms of money. Seeing wealth in the terms of money is not necessarily a bad thing. However, if I had this wealth, I wouldn’t want it to coincide with greed. I would try to spread the wealth as much as possible.

A young person excels in school and takes pride in learning. He feels like he is accomplishing something when he gets good grades, not when he receives money. However, if this person keeps doing well, he has a greater chance of getting a successful job as well. This person sees wealth as knowledge. He has a great quantity of knowledge as his riches. Wealth can be found in anyone’s life if you’re just looking for the right type.

Another, such as myself, can find wealth in what surrounds me. It doesn’t have to be something I can feel or use, just as long as I know it’s there. Some people feel like they need money to be comfortable and successful. I think that never having great amounts of money has helped me see value in the smaller, more important things. I have a family, a place to live, and unconditional love. I am wealthy.

One thing wealth is different from is being poor. No matter how you look at it, if you can find wealth in something you will not feel deprived. Wealth can be seen in many different ways, money, knowledge, and love. Anyone can find wealth, they just have to find it in the right place.

Kimberly Becker, age 17, contact: kimberly_becker_5@hotmail.com

Posted 06/03/2008