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The Biggest Luxury You Are Likely Squandering
Let’s talk about privilege in America for a second. It may sting.
Money first, because that is where it starts. The median household income in the US is $87,460 (personal income is around $47,000). Even when it doesn’t feel like it, because it certainly doesn’t on the ground, but if you hit that median earnings number in the US, you are officially in the top 6% of global earners. Americans have tons of struggles, issues, inequality, and unique financial hurdles tied up in this, but those are the numbers. It doesn’t help that Americans compound these issues with spending habits that leave most other world citizens scratching their heads. This isn’t about the money, though. I simply like reminding myself and others that the majority of people are doing pretty well as far as global standards go.
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With that relative (emphasis on “relative”) level of financial security, and the crazy but somewhat stable nature of our society and infrastructure, including free speech, we are afforded the ultimate luxury that we often and increasingly forget to use. Now I know this one claim will draw the most fire, because US citizens really do not feel this way in their country, but again, relatively speaking, we have it decent. We certainly could and should be better, but I am trying out gratitude.
So what is that luxury I am alluding to? Thinking.
