Elon, wealth, capitalism & anger
Photo by Alexander Grey on Unsplash
Two thoughts posted on Facebook about Elon Musk surprised me.
One statement claimed Elon Musk’s wealth was revolting. The second was the belief that someone cannot be wealthy without being crooked in their dealings. Both are a sad commentary over another’s supposed life situation. Why such anger over assumptions with no base, at this point, in reality?
Denigrating great wealth denigrates all wealth and those who work hard to earn a comfortable living. This may well include one’s own parents and grandparents. Truth? Having wealth does not mean it came through corrupt means.
We should be thankful Elon is using his imagination and creativity skills to benefit others. His work has improved most of our lives in one way or another.
Think of his companies and the thousands and thousands of jobs he provides at all skill levels. Because of Elon, mothers and fathers can feed their families, buy cars to go to work, and buy houses to live in. Because of Elon’s endeavors, communities benefit from employees who spend money purchasing goods at the grocery, clothing, shoes, and other stores. They save money at the local banks. Even the government benefits in paid taxes.
This is capitalism at its best. More simply. A young girl has a lemonade stand. She does so well, she pays two friends to assist her. The stand does so well, each assistant branches out with their own stands while paying the original stand owner for supplies and to use the system already developed. The stands catch on, and more individuals use the system as well as new products developed, until the stands grow beyond the city.
Those who buy the product benefit, and those who offer the product benefit. Many use their income to attend college. Many donate to charity and assist others. No one has done anything wrong. In fact, success can inspire others.
Capitalism doesn’t steal money from one person to give to another like most economic/government systems. Capitalism creates more wealth for everyone. Many with wealth give back. They sponsor Little League teams, concerts, and parks.
Without those of wealth we wouldn’t have the Nebraska Medicine Fred & Pamela Buffet Cancer Center in Kearney. Even those with less-than-great motives for seeking wealth usually donate to good causes. Truth is, good individuals can stay good and still gain wealth.
Being disgusted and angry reveals more about the person with the attitude than the person criticized. It reveals a core of envy that someone else has more. Why not celebrate success?
Why not make sure our attitude toward money, or things, however much or little we or others have, does not take our focus away from living our lives in a way that lifts up and not tears down with assumptions and anger. Instead let us be thankful for those who use the gifts and abilities to help humanity.
© 2026 Carolyn R Scheidies