Poverty Perspective
For most people reading this column in a newspaper, magazine, or online publication somewhere around the world, poverty is much more of a relative term than an absolute one. We must all remain aware and be mindful of the fact that there are over a billion people on the planet who live in absolute poverty. Definitions vary, but suffice it to say that these are people for whom having food, clothing, shelter, and clean drinking water are not certainties on a daily basis. For the rest of us, what we might call poverty is really a comparison between our standard of living and the lifestyles of the people around us.
Social media has dramatically increased the perceptions of poverty people face today. When you compare everyone’s highlight reel to the reality of your life, you can begin to feel as if you are impoverished. I believe if you have plenty to eat and clean water to drink, as well as a safe place to live, you are fortunate and should be aware of those around you who are facing poverty. One of my mentors told me many years ago, “The best thing you can do for poor people is to not be one of them. Not all rich people help poor people, but no poor people are able to help poor people.”
We all need to have a global perspective on poverty, and the first step on the financial ladder is to make some room in the safety net and on the lowest rung of the ladder by moving up in the world. I’m not talking about Learjets and limousines. I’m talking about taking care of the basic needs that you and your loved ones have so that you can reach out and help someone else.
Several years ago, I was a keynote speaker at the World Philanthropy conference along with Alan Greenspan, who was, then, the Chairman of the Federal Reserve. After my speech, one of the attendees— who I knew to be a billionaire and had given away over a hundred million dollars the previous year to lift people out of poverty—asked me to join him for dinner. As soon as we sat down at the table, he ordered a bottle of champagne that cost more than my first automobile. As we grew to know one another during the meal, I asked what prompted him to give away a hundred million dollars that year. He thought for a minute then answered, “I could give you a lot of reasons, but the easiest answer is it makes my champagne taste better.” He went on to explain that in order to enjoy the fruits of his labor, he needed to make the world a better place for others. This is an important balance we should all seek to achieve.
As you go through your day today, pursue prosperity as you seek to eliminate poverty.
Today’s the day!