Greed Runs Rampant in US
As I discussed my career goals with a friend, I thought about that eternally important question: What do you want to be when you grow up?
We talked about how doctors are projected to make less money in the future. He was glad he was going into dentistry because they are not taking as much of a pay hit. Geriatric specialty doctors, the lowest-wage specialty position, make an average of $188,000 per year, according to about.com.
The average household income of an American family is around $52,000, according to the United States Census Bureau. If you make that much money, you are estimated to be in the top 1 percent of the world’s wealthiest by the World Bank Research Group.
Actually, doctors have it made. If they did receive a pay cut, it shouldn’t matter anyway.
They always tell you that you should pick a career that you are passionate about, one that you don’t see as a “job.” Sometimes, you may need to reflect on what you have a passion for.
Money is a necessary evil, but it is not something that you should allow to be the motivation for what you do.
Money cannot buy us friends or lovers, nor can it make us happy, according to writer Stacy Johnson from MoneyTalksNews. If that is the case, who will we share our big dream homes with?
Nowadays, I read the paper more than I used to. Both home and abroad, there is always some story about some natural disaster here, some famine or human rights violation there.
I look to Syria and see one of the worst crises in history.
When I examine the Arab Spring, which was once held such peaceful promise, I see tough progress and violence.
Recently, we’ve lost public servants who gave their lives for diplomacy and mediation.
We all silently await to see just how well diplomacy will work in the future.
I check my Facebook and Twitter accounts, and I see everyone’s day is ruined because the Razorbacks lost a football game.
How much did you pay for that ticket? Parking? Concession? Meals? The nice car you came in? The gas you put into the nice car?
There are people in this community you meet whose families and friends, from all over the world, are in the 99 percent (the non-wealthy). The World Bank estimates that 80 percent of the world lives on $10 a day or less.
They may live in other countries, but how would it make you feel to see your neighbor go home and not eat?
I’ve met lots of people from around the world since I’ve been in Fayetteville, and they are not different than the rest of us. All are human beings seeking health and happiness. You just spent $10 on what? Beer at the game?
Compassion for others is what brings us true happiness, says the Dalai Lama. We come to understand that all people want to end their suffering.
People who make $250,000 are no more happy than people who make $75,000, according to the National Academy of Sciences.
Basically, their research showed that people plateau at $75,000 on average, maybe less in rural areas (essentially, when their most basic needs are met).
The question is: What do we do with the rest of this money? Hoard it? Spend it on a football game? Invest in a future that offers relief for the many who aren’t so lucky?
As college students, we are the movers and shakers of the next generation. We have to wake up to the world around us and educate ourselves on what is right.
Money is necessary in this world, but don’t get too caught up in it.
Blake Mertens is a staff columnist. He is a senior biochemistry major.
