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Writer's pictureBright Wisdom

The Rich vs. The Poor: A Tale of Mindsets

In our pursuit of wealth, whether it be material or spiritual, the desire for prosperity is universal.

Recently, I stumbled upon a concept that encapsulates the common traits among the affluent and the less fortunate. While it's a playful wordplay in Korean, I found the underlying messages profoundly relevant, prompting me to share them in this post.





What do the rich have in common?


In Korean, they are 감사 (Gam-sa), 감탄 (Gam-tan), and 감동(Gam-dong), all conveniently rhyming with "Gam," adding a touch of linguistic charm. But beyond the linguistic play, each word carries significant meaning.



Firstly, there's 감사 (Gam-sa), gratitude.

As emphasized in various philosophies, including biblical teachings, gratitude for everyday life forms the cornerstone of richness. A grateful mindset signifies openness, enabling individuals to embrace the opportunities life presents.



Next, we have 감탄 (Gam-tan), admiration.

Those who embrace life's opportunities often find themselves astounded by the miracles inherent in everyday existence. This admiration extends beyond mere appreciation to a profound acknowledgment of the power of the divine or the universe.



Lastly, there's 감동 (Gam-dong), being moved.

Witnessing life's miracles naturally evokes a sense of deep emotion and connection. Whether attributing it to divine grace or universal truth, this emotional resonance enriches the human experience.



a girl feeling positivity
This cycle of gratitude, admiration, and emotional connection fosters a positive energy that permeates one's life.

Even amidst challenges, maintaining an open mind and a positive outlook enables individuals to perceive opportunities for growth and learning, ultimately leading to success.




And what about the traits common among the poor?

They are 불평(bul-pyung), 불만(bul-man), and 불안(bul-an), all rhyming with 불(bul), which symbolizes negativity.



Firstly, 불평(bul-pyung), complaining.

Those who habitually complain and blame others for their circumstances perpetuate a cycle of unhappiness. Such a narrow-minded perspective stifles growth and opportunity.


Next, 불만(bul-man), dissatisfaction.

Rooted in negativity, a dissatisfied mindset finds fault in every situation, hindering appreciation for life's blessings and opportunities.


Lastly, 불안(bul-an), anxiety.

Pessimism breeds anxiety, trapping individuals in a cycle of worry about the past, dissatisfaction with the present, and apprehension about the future.


This negative spiral only serves to further diminish the quality of life.

Ultimately, it all boils down to mindset. As the saying goes, "It is not your aptitude, but your attitude that determines your altitude." Cultivating a positive and grateful mindset is the key to living abundantly.



a girl meditating in nature

For those wondering how to cultivate such a mindset, the answer lies in letting go of negativity. Meditation offers a powerful tool for releasing negative thoughts and fostering inner peace.



In conclusion, if you aspire to live abundantly, if you seek true richness in life, begin by nurturing your mindset.










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2 Comments


David Clouston
David Clouston
Apr 12

Great article Robin 🙏 I like the part about 'gam' relating to rich. And how having a grateful mind brings such life changes

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Bright Wisdom
Bright Wisdom
May 02
Replying to

So true! Let's be more 'grateful'!

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