The "Money Above All Else" Problem

Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. highlighted that when we prioritize profit and material possessions over the needs and interests of people, we create a society that is characterized by inequality, prejudice, and violence. To overcome these problems, King suggested that we focus on valuing and prioritizing the well-being of individuals and communities over material possessions and profits.

People Over Profits?

I have often shared that we must prioritize people over policies, stressing that if policies don’t work for the people, we must change them. But what happens when money gets in the way of us demonstrating empathy? Are we prepared to address our need to hoard things, even food, beyond our capability to consume them?

It seems that the resources we have available to us, the more we want. This is ok, I presume, unless it is getting in the way of social progress.?

Research suggests that as a person's level of wealth increases, they may become less compassionate and empathetic towards others. This phenomenon has been observed in several studies, including a study published in the journal Emotion over a decade ago.

One possible explanation for this phenomenon is that as people become wealthier, they may become more focused on their own self-interest and less concerned about the well-being of others. Additionally, wealth may provide individuals with a sense of entitlement and a belief that they deserve more than others.

Are there exceptions to the rule?

Yes!

There always are. But the exceptions prove the rule. While under certain conditions wealth can increase empathy, most of the research shows that the wealthier you are, the more likely it is that you don’t give a crap about little kids*.?

What do you think this means for society?

#engineerempathy

*Professor Paul Piff of the University of California at Berkeley ran an experiment, observing participants as they took candy designated for children only. High-income participants took two times as much candy as low-income participants.