In the modern Western world, the question 'what does rich mean?' will be answered differently than by a resident of the Amazon in South America.
But even within Europe, there are surely many different answers to this question.
For many, wealth is synonymous with material wealth in the form of lots of money in the bank, a yacht of their own, or ownership of an impressive property.
For many, this ownership is so important because it comes with a good position in the social ranking.
By now, however, even in Europe and in the entire Western world, there is also the view that material possessions alone don't make people happy.
People with this view would claim, for example, that someone who is rich is someone who has a lot of free time in which to pursue meaningful activities.
Or someone who has discovered their rich spiritual side, which they can now nurture and live out.

What Does Rich Mean in Capitalism

Capitalism is always about maximizing profit. For the advocates and sympathizers of this ideology, it's important to keep getting richer. Standing still means falling behind for them. They are restless people, always driven by material success. They always know the price of everything, but have no idea of real values.

This mindset is responsible for the fact that continents like Africa, as well as large parts of South America, are still sinking into poverty.
For a very few to be rich, that is, rich in capital, there must be very many who live below the poverty line.
A capitalist person might answer the question 'what does rich mean' with the following bullet points:

  • Yacht in the Mediterranean
  • Your own estate in an attractive world metropolis
  • Large garage with many expensive and stylish cars
  • Vacation home in an exquisite location
  • Several staff who take care of the houses, hospitality and yacht
  • Membership in a posh golf club

What does rich mean

What Does Rich Mean for a Rainforest Dweller

A rainforest dweller can of course be just as materialistic as a banker in London.
He won't own a yacht, because the possibility of acquiring one doesn't exist in his world. But despite the material side that shapes his life, because he has to go hunting and kill animals to feed his family, for example, the spiritual plays a big role for him. He feels that his existence depends on the favor of the forest gods.
He would then answer the question 'what does rich mean' with the following bullet points:

  • The chance to catch lots of fish every day
  • A fishing boat with no hole in it
  • Two beautiful and hardworking wives
  • A son who has taken over the hunting techniques from him, and can therefore feed the family later
  • A good relationship with the gods of the forest
  • Few floods