Does money make you mean?

by Raydal
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Here is an interesting social experiment which shows that being
rich makes you mean, but there is a solution:

Paul Piff: Does money make you mean? | Talk Video | TED.com

-Ray Edwards
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    • Profile picture of the author Claude Whitacre
      Money doesn't make you mean. But it might let everyone know that you are mean.

      "Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man's character, give him power." - Abraham Lincoln
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      • Profile picture of the author ThomM
        How can an inanimate object make you do anything?
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  • Profile picture of the author HeySal
    I've got a head start. I'm already a wench. Gimme the money!
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  • Profile picture of the author candoit2
    Originally Posted by Raydal View Post

    Here is an interesting social experiment which shows that being
    rich makes you mean, but there is a solution:

    Paul Piff: Does money make you mean? | Talk Video | TED.com

    -Ray Edwards
    They are not meaner, they just don't waste time pretending to like you because they don't need anything from you.

    No one expends energy on those who they gain nothing from interacting with.

    Even if all that is gained is a sense of satisfaction, and increased self worth for helping one who cannot return the favor, if you remove that satisfaction there is no incentive or desire to help further.

    Rich people love to help those who if given an opportunity will make the most of it, but do not respect those who make it their habit to put their hand out and do nothing to better themselves.

    The same ones who say rich people are mean, also blame everyone but themselves for all going wrong in life.

    No surprise if they can detect a "mean" attitude towards them when trying to manipulate or use them for their gain.
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    • Profile picture of the author Raydal
      Originally Posted by AaronJones View Post

      They are not meaner, they just don't waste time pretending to like you because they don't need anything from you.

      No one expends energy on those who they gain nothing from interacting with.
      I thought this was the definition of "mean". If I don't "like" you because
      you cannot benefit me, then I think you are mean. No?

      -Ray Edwards
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      • Profile picture of the author HeySal
        Originally Posted by Raydal View Post

        I thought this was the definition of "mean". If I don't "like" you because
        you cannot benefit me, then I think you are mean. No?

        -Ray Edwards
        Why does "benefit" have to mean financially? There are many benefits friends can have that have nothing to do with money. Emotional and intellectual support are very solid ways some people can benefit us.

        I've been well off, and I've been dirt poor. I've had friends at both points who were dirt poor and some that were well off. We benefited each other even though there was never any monetary exchange.

        What about the people who make you laugh and you always have a great time being around? What about people who are there to "get your back" when you are feeling low? And there's those which just share a common interest so you can either make things with or intellectually spar with and broaden your horizons? Those people count and it doesn't make any difference what their finances are.

        I've met a lot of people in a lot of settings and know that those with lots of money don't always appear to be people with lots of money. I know whether I like those people or not before I know if they have bucks or not. Some of the nicest are the richest. I've met a lot of just nasty poor people. Probably why they are poor is because they are so nasty nobody wants to deal with them in a working situation.

        I think "mean" needs more qualification. I also think "beneficial" needs more, as well.
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        • Profile picture of the author Claude Whitacre
          Originally Posted by HeySal View Post

          Why does "benefit" have to mean financially? There are many benefits friends can have that have nothing to do with money. Emotional and intellectual support are very solid ways some people can benefit us.

          I've been well off, and I've been dirt poor. I've had friends at both points who were dirt poor and some that were well off. We benefited each other even though there was never any monetary exchange.

          What about the people who make you laugh and you always have a great time being around? What about people who are there to "get your back" when you are feeling low? And there's those which just share a common interest so you can either make things with or intellectually spar with and broaden your horizons? Those people count and it doesn't make any difference what their finances are.

          I've met a lot of people in a lot of settings and know that those with lots of money don't always appear to be people with lots of money. I know whether I like those people or not before I know if they have bucks or not. Some of the nicest are the richest. I've met a lot of just nasty poor people. Probably why they are poor is because they are so nasty nobody wants to deal with them in a working situation.

          I think "mean" needs more qualification. I also think "beneficial" needs more, as well.
          Damn, Woman.... that was a thoughtful post. Much food for digesting.
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          • Profile picture of the author HeySal
            Originally Posted by Claude Whitacre View Post

            Damn, Woman.... that was a thoughtful post. Much food for digesting.
            Well, then - I just benefited you. You didn't even have to know if I have money or not. I don't understand the money = attitude or benefit equation at all. No thought necessary.

            I had someone once ask me why I was content hanging out with "losers who do nothing but get dirty" -- referring to my website rockhound friends. Kicker - half of those "losers" could buy and sell the dude in the shiny shoes that was making all the superior noises. He was not rich by any stretch, but sure was an asshole - downright mean spirited.

            I'm anything but well off now - but when I offer to spend the weekend with my site members out in the field when they come to my area they are as excited as if I were someone famous. Money doesn't change hands; however, I've had people offer to pay for my gas to go with them. Money isn't something that even comes up most of the time. If you were to ask them - they wouldn't know what to tell you about my finances. I have no clue what many of those people have or make. My companionship has other benefits for them. Me? I get the benefit of some companionship in the field and stories at the campfire at night, and some "safety in numbers" and it's really just a kick for me when I show people what they are looking for and how to find it and they run to me all stoked like little kids to show me something they just found that I know they will treasure. There's not one of them with enough money that they don't want me along because I'm not wealthy enough to "qualify".

            I realize that there are those that do get real self satisfied when they get their hands on a lot of bucks. To start to categorize them, though, to me is dangerous stuff. It's class warfare, and I refuse to participate.
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  • Profile picture of the author Dan Riffle
    Indirectly.

    Money>Tequila>Mean
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    • Profile picture of the author ThomM
      Originally Posted by Dan Riffle View Post

      Indirectly.

      Money>Tequila>Mean
      Tequila never made me mean.
      That damn floor that kept on hitting me in the head sure did piss me off though
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      • Profile picture of the author Joe Mobley
        Money is a magnifier, it shows more of what you are.

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    • Profile picture of the author Claude Whitacre
      Originally Posted by Dan Riffle View Post

      Indirectly.

      Money>Tequila>Mean
      Or more accurately; Money>Tequila>Riffle running out of money because he spent it on tequila.
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  • Profile picture of the author danielpbarron
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    • Profile picture of the author Raydal
      Originally Posted by danielpbarron View Post

      Right off the bat I can tell this video is going to be idiotic because: 1) it's a TED talk, 2) it's about money, and 3) someone is "mean."... The speaker assumes you already understand this axiom, and now has a proof that these evil rich folk are mean! It's scientific!
      LOL. But aren't you doing the same as the speaker in assuming that because
      it is a TED talk it's ..... while "the speaker assumes you already understand this axiom"?
      Seems to be the same to me. Both of you are making assumptions before the
      experiment.

      I think that it's just human nature that if you have more than the majority you find
      ways to justify the inequity and you DO feel entitled--which can lead top the "mean"
      behavior.

      Did you see the part with the expensive cars are least likely to stop for a pedestrian
      to cross. What do you say about that one?

      I have nothing against the rich but to say that money doesn't affect you in any way
      is naive. The BIBLE contains a lot of warning about the temptation of riches.

      -Ray Edwards
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      • Profile picture of the author BigFrank
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        I've been rich and I've been poor. I've been consistently mean through it all. :-)

        Cheers. - Frank
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      • Profile picture of the author BigFrank
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        I've been rich and I've been poor. I've been consistently mean through it all. :-)

        Cheers. - Frank
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        • Profile picture of the author waterotter
          Originally Posted by BigFrank View Post

          I've been rich and I've been poor. I've been consistently mean through it all. :-)

          Cheers. - Frank
          Originally Posted by BigFrank View Post

          I've been rich and I've been poor. I've been consistently mean through it all. :-)

          Cheers. - Frank
          Whatcha drinkin' Frank? You're repeating yourself!
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          • Profile picture of the author BigFrank
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            Originally Posted by waterotter View Post

            Whatcha drinkin' Frank? You're repeating yourself!
            Server hiccups. It happens to the best of us, and I should know. :-)

            Cheers. - Frank
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      • Profile picture of the author danielpbarron
        Originally Posted by Raydal View Post

        I think that it's just human nature that if you have more than the majority you find ways to justify the inequity and you DO feel entitled--which can lead top the "mean" behavior.
        Those with more than the majority are entitled to their better things.

        Did you see the part with the expensive cars are least likely to stop for a pedestrian
        to cross. What do you say about that one?
        Yeah; I'd say it makes a lot of sense. Rich people shouldn't be wasting time stopping for poor pedestrians -- seriously, their time is worth more. There's probably also something in there about poor people not taking advantage, or acting with some sense that there is a central arbiter making sure life is fair. The wealthy individuals probably understand that you have to hustle to make it; you can't wait around hoping cars stop for you. I object to the premise of this experiment: that pedestrians are worth stopping for.

        I have nothing against the rich but to say that money doesn't affect you in any way is naive. The BIBLE contains a lot of warning about the temptation of riches.
        The Bible doesn't forbid being rich, and I'm not saying it doesn't affect people. I'm saying that rich people deserve to be rich, and poor people deserve to be poor; if you don't like the way rich people treat poor people, too bad. Unless you are wealthy enough to actually do something about it -- but why would you waste money on that?
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        • Profile picture of the author Frank Donovan
          Originally Posted by danielpbarron View Post

          Yeah; I'd say it makes a lot of sense. Rich people shouldn't be wasting time stopping for poor pedestrians -- seriously, their time is worth more. There's probably also something in there about poor people not taking advantage, or acting with some sense that there is a central arbiter making sure life is fair. The wealthy individuals probably understand that you have to hustle to make it; you can't wait around hoping cars stop for you. I object to the premise of this experiment: that pedestrians are worth stopping for.
          Yep, those pesky pedestrians are just an unnecessary obstruction and deserve nothing less than to be mown down by rich people in cars. But, of course, the super rich can't waste their super valuable time waiting in traffic. It's their earned right to employ tanks to blast the ordinary rich in their ordinary cars out of the way. It's only what they deserve. That is, until the mega rich buy the town and close off all the roads.

          Sheesh. Getting richer is just one problem after another.


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    • Profile picture of the author Claude Whitacre
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  • Profile picture of the author vnanh9x1
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    • Profile picture of the author waterotter
      Originally Posted by vnanh9x1 View Post

      What about the people who make you laugh and you always have a great time being around? What about people who are there to "get your back" when you are feeling low? And there's those which just share a common interest so you can either make things with or intellectually spar with and broaden your horizons? Those people count and it doesn't make any difference what their finances are.
      How perceptive of you considering you copy and pasted part of HeySal's post.

      Get a brain and think for yourself.

      Ya just can't fix stupid.
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  • Profile picture of the author HeySal
    Jody - that's an old spam technique. Not sure how it worked but we used to report that to Paul. It seems they do something with links somehow when they do that. Part of some perception that if they get rich they will be better people or something, I guess.

    Yep, those pesky pedestrians are just an unnecessary obstruction and deserve nothing less than to be mown down by rich people in cars. But, of course, the super rich can't waste their super valuable time waiting in traffic. It's their earned right to employ tanks to blast the ordinary rich in their ordinary cars out of the way. It's only what they deserve. That is, until the mega rich buy the town and close off all the roads.

    Sheesh. Getting richer is just one problem after another.
    I was hoping that post was sarcasm sans stickies. If he really thinks that, it's a good thing to know so avoidance can be practiced.
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    Sal
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    • Profile picture of the author waterotter
      Originally Posted by HeySal View Post

      Jody - that's an old spam technique. Not sure how it worked but we used to report that to Paul. It seems they do something with links somehow when they do that. Part of some perception that if they get rich they will be better people or something, I guess.
      Yeah, Sal, I'm aware of that - the reason I reported the post!
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  • Profile picture of the author thunderbird
    Sure money makes me mean. It makes me mean I can buy more stuff for example. Money has a lot of history behind it, how it came to be in different civilizations, so sure it makes people mean because it is rich in mean-ing.
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    • Profile picture of the author Joe Mobley
      I recognized that my post was so awesome, I started another thread with it.

      http://www.warriorforum.com/off-topi...-ferguson.html

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      • Profile picture of the author Kay King
        Ok Joe -

        Delusions of grandeur or illusions of cognizance?

        I've been richer and poorer - but I don't remember if I was meaner. Send me a truckload of cash and I'll let you know.
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  • Profile picture of the author thunderbird
    Reading philosophy books can make you more mean as well. You might find that it what you see means more that there is more substance to what you mean. Money too can make things mean more since, after all, you can afford them and, in turn, will look at them more closely.

    (Que?)
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    • Profile picture of the author Dennis Gaskill
      Originally Posted by thunderbird View Post

      Reading philosophy books can make you more mean as well. You might find that it what you see means more that there is more substance to what you mean. Money too can make things mean more since, after all, you can afford them and, in turn, will look at them more closely.

      (Que?)
      Trying to figure out that spinner again, are ya?


      Seriously, I'm sure believe you said what you think you meant, but I'm not sure you meant to say what I think I understood.
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      • Profile picture of the author HeySal
        Originally Posted by Dennis Gaskill View Post

        Trying to figure out that spinner again, are ya?


        Seriously, I'm sure believe you said what you think you meant, but I'm not sure you meant to say what I think I understood.
        Just another meaning with a means to a different ending. I sense the mean meaning of his equation came out about as he meant it to.
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        Sal
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        • Profile picture of the author whateverpedia
          Originally Posted by HeySal View Post

          Just another meaning with a means to a different ending. I sense the mean meaning of his equation came out about as he meant it to.
          What do you mean by that? (And don't be mean to me in your response).
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          • Profile picture of the author Daniel Evans
            Isn't "mean" a term devised for children who use it whilst stamping their feet in description of a bully who's just stole their toy?

            I have noticed people use the word, but I always assumed their to be an element of comedy behind it.

            Maybe I'm just being a big fat, meanie weenie, woo woo?.....
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          • Profile picture of the author HeySal
            Originally Posted by whateverpedia View Post

            What do you mean by that? (And don't be mean to me in your response).
            I'm sorry. It's become apparent that I have some money in the bank right now, so I'm not required to be nice about anything at the moment. Please restate your question closer to payday when it's all gone again and I have to be humble for awhile.
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      • Profile picture of the author thunderbird
        Originally Posted by Dennis Gaskill View Post

        Trying to figure out that spinner again, are ya?


        Seriously, I'm sure believe you said what you think you meant, but I'm not sure you meant to say what I think I understood.
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  • Profile picture of the author FlyingSuccess
    If you are evil, then YES....

    If you are good, then NO
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    • Profile picture of the author socialentry
      Originally Posted by FlyingSuccess View Post

      If you are evil, then YES....

      If you are good, then NO
      But what if you are neutral?
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      • Profile picture of the author Dennis Gaskill
        Originally Posted by socialentry View Post

        But what if you are neutral?
        No one is gray in a black and white world.
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        • Profile picture of the author Frank Donovan
          Originally Posted by Dennis Gaskill View Post

          No one is gray in a black and white world
          But I've heard there are at least 50 shades.


          ..
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  • Profile picture of the author Jahan
    Money means now a days valuable matter. It's can every thing a life.
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