Ask HN: Why are we addicted to getting rich?

#1

Post by r0brodz » Thu, Feb 08, 2018, 9:48 PM UTC

There is trillions of dollars in peoples hands that do nothing but buy luxury. What is this ancient desire to be rich? What amount will make you satisfied?

Re: Ask HN: Why are we addicted to getting rich?

#2

Post by bigmanwalter » Thu, Feb 08, 2018, 9:59 PM UTC

It is power. The more money you have, the further your influence.

Re: Ask HN: Why are we addicted to getting rich?

#3

Post by dasmoth » Thu, Feb 08, 2018, 10:25 PM UTC

Financial independence (in the "work becomes a choice" sense -- not necessarily after idleness...) is a pretty attractive prospect. Beyond that point, money has rapidly-diminishing returns for me.

Re: Ask HN: Why are we addicted to getting rich?

#4

Post by r0brodz » Thu, Feb 08, 2018, 10:41 PM UTC

bigmanwalter wrote: post #2

It is power. The more money you have, the further your influence.

Yes the basic premise of our condition: the desire to rule over nature.

Re: Ask HN: Why are we addicted to getting rich?

#5

Post by r0brodz » Thu, Feb 08, 2018, 10:43 PM UTC

dasmoth wrote: post #3

Financial independence (in the "work becomes a choice" sense -- not necessarily after idleness...) is a pretty attractive prospect. Beyond that point, money has rapidly-diminishing returns for me.

Freedom of choice to pursue passions without anxiety but to not be lazy, wasteful and banal.

Re: Ask HN: Why are we addicted to getting rich?

#6

Post by bigmanwalter » Thu, Feb 08, 2018, 11:05 PM UTC

r0brodz wrote: post #4

bigmanwalter wrote: post #2

It is power. The more money you have, the further your influence.

Yes the basic premise of our condition: the desire to rule over nature.

Not so much ruling nature but ruling other people.

Re: Ask HN: Why are we addicted to getting rich?

#7

Post by taprun » Thu, Feb 08, 2018, 11:09 PM UTC

dasmoth wrote: post #3

Financial independence (in the "work becomes a choice" sense -- not necessarily after idleness...) is a pretty attractive prospect. Beyond that point, money has rapidly-diminishing returns for me.

Too bad that hedonic adaptation [0] exists. The longer we live, the more we become addicted to expensive comforts.

[0] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hedonic_treadmill

Re: Ask HN: Why are we addicted to getting rich?

#8

Post by borplk » Thu, Feb 08, 2018, 11:09 PM UTC

What is this ancient desire to be rich?

It's the same ancient desire to hunt and survive.

With money you can hunt. Without it you will be hunted.

When you don't have money you become the subject of the force and influence of those who have it.

You will have to live your life on someone else's terms.

Re: Ask HN: Why are we addicted to getting rich?

#9

Post by jomkr » Thu, Feb 08, 2018, 11:51 PM UTC

I have a desire to be free. I'm working towards never having to look at a fucking computer again. Hopefully by the time I'm 30, I'll have enough to do only need to work about three months year. The rest of the time I'm going to be surfing or rock climbing.

Re: Ask HN: Why are we addicted to getting rich?

#10

Post by bsvalley » Thu, Feb 08, 2018, 11:56 PM UTC

What amount will make you satisfied?

1 billion dollars net, in my bank account.