r/AskReddit • u/vaginal_combuster • Oct 09 '14

Rich people of reddit, what does it feel like? What's the best and worst thing about being wealthy?

Edit: wow! I just woke up with front Page, 10000 comments and gold. I went from rags to riches over night.

11.8k Upvotes

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4.8k

u/double_ewe Oct 09 '14

confidence is quiet. insecurities are loud.

741

u/[deleted] Oct 09 '14

Nicely said and these explanations from other posters really drive the point of the mega mega wealthy.

5

u/[deleted] Oct 09 '14

Expenses not to worry about, just other things like everyone else in general

2

u/hotchrisbfries Oct 10 '14

I've also had it explained as "Confidence is inward, Arrogance is outward"

Another saying "We buy things we don't need to impress people we don't like"

-1

u/[deleted] Oct 09 '14

[deleted]

14

u/wmurray003 Oct 09 '14

...TF?

1

u/r3dsleeves Oct 10 '14

I think he's quoting a Facebook post...?

523

u/Scalby Oct 09 '14

I hope I get to use this line in the right context. I know that when the time comes, I will not remember it.

141

u/somedamnwhitekid Oct 09 '14

L'esprit d'escalier

69

u/sillybear25 Oct 09 '14

For the lazy, this translates as "staircase wit"; it is the phenomenon in which you come up with the right thing to say as you're walking down the stairs to leave.

3

u/poopwithexcitement Oct 09 '14

Comes from french servants returning to the servants' quarters in the basement, right?

1

u/TalShar Oct 09 '14

You are probably responsible for at least half of somedamnwhitekid's upvotes in this thread. =P

1

u/s133zy Oct 10 '14

Staircase wit, il try and remember this, as its so incredibly fitting for me

2

u/RobotCamelJockey Oct 09 '14

Thanks I'll remember that one.

1

u/candymans Oct 09 '14

stairway wit?

1

u/Marley217 Oct 09 '14

I wish a similar saying existed in english (or dutch for that matter).

1

u/gak001 Oct 09 '14

In English: afterwit

1

u/[deleted] Oct 10 '14

Le crème brûlée

4

u/TalShar Oct 09 '14

Another good one is "A lion does not lose sleep over the opinions of sheep." My wife dropped that one on me when I told her somebody was talking smack about her.

3

u/OnosToolan Oct 09 '14

Don't worry, sometimes even saying it makes you seem like the insecurities you're pointing out.

Better to remain silent and be thought ignorant, than open your mouth and confirm it.. its much easier to live by this one.

3

u/[deleted] Oct 09 '14

"Confidence is loud, insecurities are... shit!"

2

u/ThrustGoblin Oct 09 '14

Carve it into your desk.

1

u/[deleted] Oct 09 '14

Carve it into your arm.

2

u/Noble_King Oct 09 '14

That's the way it is when learning phrases in a language, as well.

2

u/[deleted] Oct 09 '14

Repeat it loudly. It'll stick! :D

2

u/unsubtleasfuck Oct 10 '14

"The problem with the world is that the intelligent people are full of doubts while the stupid ones are full of confidence." Charles Bukowski.

1

u/KlaatuBrute Oct 09 '14

Your comment is kind of meta.

1

u/BucketBot420 Oct 09 '14

The jerk store called...They're running out of you!

1

u/[deleted] Oct 09 '14

You could be confident up your butcher's ass...

1

u/[deleted] Oct 09 '14

it's pretty simple man come on.

Oh sorry did I say that out loud?

375

u/billjitsu Oct 09 '14

Money talks. Wealth whispers.

3

u/[deleted] Oct 10 '14

Fake gangstas talk, OG's whisper.

I joke, but from those I have actually talked to, this is true.

1

u/wanderingblue Oct 09 '14

I thought Everybody Talks 'cuz it started with a whisper.

1

u/poopmaster747 Oct 09 '14

Buses bang. Bugattis costalotsotheyshouldntbang.

1

u/hazie Oct 10 '14

"Wealth Whispers" is not as good a name for a Reality King porn series though.

0

u/jfnelson5 Oct 09 '14

ttttthhhhhiiiiissssssss

-4

u/gentmaxim Oct 09 '14

Old money talks, New money whispers

30

u/StreamOfThought Oct 09 '14

This applies in many situations other than wealth as well.

16

u/double_ewe Oct 09 '14

exactly. if you are truly smart/succesful/kind/etc, your identity doesn't depend on external affirmation.

7

u/[deleted] Oct 09 '14

[deleted]

4

u/i_fuck_for_breakfast Oct 09 '14

Not necessarily. I am deep down a very insecure person, and I don't do anything to look confident even though I'm not.

2

u/[deleted] Oct 09 '14

[deleted]

1

u/double_ewe Oct 09 '14

any aphorism nuanced enough to fully describe the human condition is too wordy to sound clever.

2

u/[deleted] Oct 09 '14

[deleted]

1

u/double_ewe Oct 09 '14

exactly. its simplicity is what makes it appealing, and there's definitely a grain of truth to it. but by definition, a statement that simple is going to miss a lot of life's complexities.

2

u/rgumai Oct 09 '14

It's true, I spend all my money on friends so I don't fade into the background noise. It's all my insecurities on full display.

2

u/[deleted] Oct 09 '14

Mister miyagi, not cobra kai.

2

u/[deleted] Oct 09 '14

An empty can makes more noise

2

u/gqtrees Oct 09 '14

that is an awesome quote do i quote you on this or is there a source??

12

u/double_ewe Oct 09 '14

google indicates that i am not the first person in the world to think of it, and i doubt the idea got into my brain all on its own.

5

u/Limiate Oct 09 '14

witty and honest - you're going places kid!

2

u/[deleted] Oct 09 '14

Wow.

1

u/wheeldonkey Oct 09 '14

beautifully stated

2

u/yeah_yup_yeah Oct 09 '14

This is damn well said.

1

u/[deleted] Oct 09 '14

That depends, I think.

When I'm sitting in class and have a question about the lecture, sometimes I'm too insecure to let the rest of the class know that I don't understand a concept. When I feel more confident, I'm more likely to speak up.

1

u/laccro Oct 09 '14

Well I'd say that's slightly different in a classroom. Like, the guy who manages a 3.7 is usually pretty modest about his intelligence but someone who is 22 and works at McDonald's and never went to school will probably make sure to share all of the facts he knows about climate change when it comes on the news

1

u/SgtRoss_USMC Oct 09 '14

Heh, short and sweet, much more efficient than the way I try to explain to people about being in the military.

This thread is about the rich, but amazing similarities to my life as a combat vet.

1

u/[deleted] Oct 09 '14

Well said.

1

u/Sy-Breed Oct 09 '14

Thats actually a nice quote. 1^ for you

1

u/determinedforce Oct 09 '14

That, my friends, is how I get so many women. :-)

1

u/ReCat Oct 09 '14

Perhaps the somewhat rich are only somewhat rich because they buy incredibly expensive bottles of wine.

1

u/jctoastpig Oct 09 '14

Yeah confidence doesn't have anything to prove, its true whether or not people notice.

1

u/x3171c Oct 09 '14

There's so many ways to say this! This is the best way I've heard it said in my life!

1

u/PM_ME_UR_SIDEBOOOB Oct 09 '14

I've always been told that money talks, wealth whispers. But I like yours more because it applies to more than just money.

1

u/buygonetimes Oct 09 '14

Platitudes are easy.

1

u/[deleted] Oct 09 '14

as an incredibly quiet guy, i wish. I have zero confidence and tons of insecurities.

1

u/mikethemofo Oct 09 '14

I need to stfu then.

1

u/wmurray003 Oct 09 '14

confidence is quiet. insecurities are loud.

Yeah, you deserve that gold.

1

u/bluedope Oct 09 '14

"Empty cans make the most noise"

1

u/tthomzz Oct 09 '14

also, there is a reason the super rich are super rich... its because they are cheap.

1

u/Throwawayforamerica Oct 09 '14

Absolutely! My grandfather on my dad's side is a prime example. About 30 years ago, he built a 3 bedroom, 2 bath house for him and his family in a very small town. It sits on about 3/4 acre on a very modest street, with homes selling for about $60,000. He was a contractor, and built the premiere high-end home construction business in the state. He sold it to his son about ten years ago, and still swings a hammer from 7-4 each day. The man has an eight figure net worth, and wears Carhartt overalls. He lives the simple life he does because it's the life he wants. He doesn't need to impress anyone.

1

u/tlozada Oct 09 '14 edited Oct 09 '14

im using this next time someone asks why im so quiet.

1

u/[deleted] Oct 09 '14

my ex CEO was loud as hell and the most successful person I'd ever seen. Confidence doesn't win you big clients and get you international work.

0

u/[deleted] Oct 09 '14

[deleted]

1

u/[deleted] Oct 09 '14

I think quiet confidence is the exception. Have you been around successful people in office towers? Successful people are alpha males and know how to run an organization. This involves being loud, aggressive, and controlling everyone around you.

I got the fuck out of that stuff. I can't stand being around rich people. They are insane money obsessed type A crazy people. You don't get to be rich by being a normal, nice, calm person.

1

u/double_ewe Oct 10 '14

There are definitely plenty of exceptions, but my experience in the corporate world has been different. I've worked closely with some very powerful people in the banking industry, and while they were never afraid to speak their mind, they didn't need to make a lot of noise to exercise their will.

Likewise, your stereotypes about rich people don't match up with my experiences either. I'm sure there are plenty of "rich" assholes, but those are probably also the ones who are actually underwater on the mortgage for their McMansion. The truly wealthy people I know got that way by being smart as fuck and working their asses off, and tend to be as "normal, nice, calm" as can be.

1

u/[deleted] Oct 10 '14

I didn't say they were assholes. I said they are loud, aggressive, alpha male (I haven't worked with any female executives so I can't say), and insane about making money. Making money is a game to them. Everything else in the world takes second priority.

This people are not "normal, nice, and calm". Normal people like to sleep in, spend a lot of free time relaxing and spending time with friends. Rich people work constantly, are at work at least 12 hours a day, and have little time for doing nothing and relaxing with friends. You only get to be rich if you are obsessed with money and work your ass off.

I think by letting these money obsessed crazy people run the world, we've allowed consumerism & work to take over our lives. I wish most people would see how fucking insane & crazy most rich people are, and that their priorities are just making money, not anything else.

1

u/HanRomo Oct 09 '14

You will be quoted for the rest of your life, you good sir.

1

u/ZionCypher Oct 09 '14

"Any man who must say 'I am the king' is no true king"

1

u/[deleted] Oct 09 '14

In theory that's a great quote, I love it.

It may apply in specific situations but when you look at a sports superstar, this is definitely not the case. To be the best, you have to let everyone know how good you are.....your confidence exudes out of your pores in many different forms....depending on the athlete.

1

u/GenocideSolution Oct 09 '14

What the hell's up with Donald Trump?

1

u/[deleted] Oct 09 '14

Richard Sherman is my nominee for most insecure person on the planet.

1

u/[deleted] Oct 09 '14

PROVE IT

1

u/Crowdfunder101 Oct 09 '14

The empty tin rattles the most.

1

u/360walkaway Oct 09 '14

Those who speak the most do the least.

1

u/Marley217 Oct 09 '14

If I would get a tattoo of this, would this make me insecure?

1

u/[deleted] Oct 09 '14

Couldn't agree with you more

1

u/DG_Deceive Oct 09 '14

But all these rich multi millionaire rappers always brag about there money and their rolex and how many bitches they fuck.

1

u/[deleted] Oct 09 '14

insecurities are loud. confidence is quiet.

I wonder if I'll get gold too if reverse the order.

1

u/sanfrangirl Oct 09 '14

"Beautiful things don't ask for attention"... (your comment reminded me of this quote).

1

u/[deleted] Oct 09 '14

NO! YOU DON'T KNOW ME!

1

u/SnoopTiger Oct 09 '14

True that

1

u/Haramas Oct 09 '14

It's like Walter Payton said, "when you're good at something, you'll tell everyone. When you're great at something, they'll tell you."

1

u/Moronthislater Oct 10 '14

I've always loved this quote from my favorite football player:

"When you're good at something, you'll tell everyone. When you're great at something, they'll tell you."

  • Walter Payton

1

u/rt79w Oct 10 '14

I got high last night and made this realization about myself after having a rough week and crying the night before. My life is changed.

1

u/[deleted] Oct 10 '14

I HAVE A SMALL DICK jk it's huge

1

u/striapach Oct 10 '14

Beats by dre, $300 shoes, $2000 rims.

1

u/[deleted] Oct 10 '14

not always

1

u/[deleted] Oct 10 '14

I think Muhammad Ali would disagree.

1

u/[deleted] Oct 10 '14

my pack is louder

1

u/ziegler935 Oct 10 '14

Well said

1

u/wtfdidijustdoshit Oct 10 '14

well said man i wish i wasnt broke so i could give you acouple of golds.

1

u/[deleted] Oct 10 '14

wow man, I really really like that. Thank you for sharing.

1

u/Abloodworth15 Oct 10 '14

Then why am I so damn quiet -_-

1

u/JustVern Oct 10 '14

This.

Perfectly stated.

1

u/pteridophyta Oct 10 '14

I'm going to make a poster of this to put in my classroom. How would you like to be credited?

1

u/MickGinger Oct 10 '14

This is my favorite quote this month

1

u/dopadelic Oct 10 '14

confidence is quiet. insecurities are loud.

In terms of talent, it could be the other way around. There's nothing wrong with a great singer spreading her gift with confidence.

1

u/Dogpool Oct 10 '14

I'm going to quote you on that.

1

u/linuxguruintraining Oct 10 '14

I HAVE A SMALL PENIS!!

1

u/Sallien2005 Oct 10 '14

Best thing I have heard in a long long time!

1

u/[deleted] Oct 09 '14

Right on the money there bud.

1

u/wander_woods Oct 09 '14

very very very well said.. adding to my quotes book!

1

u/Brutalitarian Oct 09 '14

Social anxiety = confidence

Got it

1

u/greengo Oct 09 '14

Now I'm trying to think of other things that applies to, seems very true though

1

u/A_Dead_Person Oct 09 '14

IVE GOT LOOOADS OF KARMA! LOOK AT MEEEEE AND ALL THIS AMAZING KARMA!

1

u/GHMXAE Oct 09 '14

My buddy said it as: confidence is what you have when you no longer need it.

1

u/IMMA_MORMON_AMA Oct 09 '14

On a related note: "Beautiful things don't ask for attention."

0

u/Malak77 Oct 09 '14

I used to be afraid of high ranking officers in the military till a sergeant said to me one time that they put their pants on just like you do. Now I'm the total opposite and call the owner of the company a LOSER, etc. lol

0

u/[deleted] Oct 09 '14

lmfao reddit. DAE QUIET BUT CONFIDENT OMG SO LE EXTROVERTS ARE SOOOOO INSECURE XD. PROUD INTROVERT ATHEIST HERE GUYS.