Are All the People Who Associate with Rich People Rich?
The relationships and associations we form transcend financial status and encompass a variety of other spheres of our lives.
Interactions Beyond Money
Most of our interactions are driven by our personal feelings and values, which often extend beyond financial wealth. We invest in how people make us feel, and our circles are composed of a diverse array of individuals, independent of their class, race, or political views.
Self-Made vs. Inherited Wealth
It is not true that all people associating with rich individuals are rich themselves. This primarily depends on their individual backgrounds. Those who are self-made rather than from wealthy dynasties are more likely to have friends from a variety of financial backgrounds.
For instance, many self-made billionaires who did not come from wealth and navigated hard times early in their lives tend to have more diverse social circles. Friends formed during these challenging times are often more aligned with their personal journey and character.
Association with Family Dynasties
In the case of wealth inherited from a family dynasty, the people in their social circles are largely established by their family connections. Friends are often of the same class, albeit with varying degrees of wealth.
It is also important to note that while wealth can certainly influence social circles, it is not the sole determining factor. Many rich individuals are selective in their friendships, preferring to avoid those who are 'fools', 'annoying', or 'strange' around them. These individuals do not actively seek out friends from drastically different social backgrounds for no reason. There must be a commonality or utility in the relationship.
Social Dynamics and Perceptions
Our social circles are often formed based on where we live, the schools we attend, our workplaces, and the environments we frequent. For example, if someone stays at a cheap hotel, they are unlikely to encounter rich people, unless there are no better options available. Similarly, poor people generally do not stay at expensive hotels. Consequently, we tend to surround ourselves with those similar to us, leading to homogenized social circles.
There are instances, however, where perceptions of social status can be mediated. For example, in the context of elevator conversations, people from different social backgrounds can blend in. However, past behaviors and reputations can still influence these dynamics. In the past, it was observed that people at prestigious buildings like The Plaza in New York would treat elevator riders differently based on how they acted and dressed. Such perceptions can be ingrained in our social interactions, even if they are not overtly mentioned.
Miley Cyrus serves as a prominent example of how social status is not defined by financial wealth alone but by one's personality and beliefs. Social status is not the ultimate identifier of who we are and who others see us as. Rather, it is our personal qualities and how we present ourselves that truly matter.