The adage “more money, more problems” is a popular cultural observation. It recently sparked fierce debate after former radio presenter Shaffie Weru weighed in on the issue in Kenya.
Weru suggested that financial success does not automatically eliminate life’s difficulties. His comments challenged the widespread belief that wealth provides a complete escape from hardship.
This has led many to question the saying itself: is it a genuine reflection of rich people’s lives, or simply a convenient excuse?
Where Did the Saying Come From?
The sentiment that wealth brings new complications has existed for ages, but the modern iteration was popularised by rapper Notorious B.I.G.
The phrase generally suggests that while money eliminates the difficulties associated with poverty, it replaces them with an entirely different and complex set of challenges.
Research into the psychology of wealth suggests this dual nature of money is real.
The Modern Money Debate
Speaking at the Nairobi Food Festival, Shaffie Weru shared his perspective. He emphasised that public assumptions about wealth are often misleading.
“Everyone assumes that if you have money, shida zako zimeisha no! More money, more problems!” he declared.
Weru clarified that he does not oppose the importance of money, noting it is a necessary part of life. However, he stressed that it should not be viewed as the ultimate measure of fulfilment.
Online reactions to his remarks
were mixed. While some agreed that there is more to life than just money, others expressed the pressing financial difficulties that make the idea of ‘more problems’ seem remote.
Is It Just a Lie? The Happiness Factor
For many, the idea that the rich suffer from ‘more problems‘ feels like a narrative pushed by powerful people.
This narrative often downplays the basic truth that money buys stability and shelter, which are costly today.
Money undeniably solves problems related to poverty, such as worrying about healthcare, debt, and basic needs.
Studies show that increased income, up to a certain point, correlates with increased happiness and reduced stress.
Recent studies even challenge the older theory that happiness plateaus at a fixed income level. Instead, researchers found that for most people, earning more money makes them happier.
This is especially true if earning more helps cover escalating costs like childcare or the financial stress of retirement.
The Complex Reality of Wealth
Once basic needs are met, however, wealth can introduce distinct issues.
Psychologists studying inequality have found that high social class can influence thoughts and actions.
The pursuit of wealth has been linked with immoral behaviour. For instance, one study published by Greater Good Magazine found that drivers of luxury cars were four times less likely to stop for pedestrians at crosswalks than those in less expensive vehicles.
Wealth has also been associated with several personal challenges:
• Less Empathy: Studies indicate that wealth may conflict with empathy, while people of lower economic status are often better at reading
others’ emotions.
• Addiction and Distress: Affluent children are often more vulnerable to substance abuse, potentially due to pressure and isolation. Research notes that the rich outdrink the poor by more than 27 per cent.
• Security Issues: High-net-worth individuals face complex security concerns, becoming targets for theft, kidnapping, and lawsuits.
• Trust: It becomes difficult to discern genuine relationships from those motivated purely by money.
In short, while money provides crucial solutions to survival problems, research suggests it also powerfully influences morality, relationships, and mental well-being in complex ways.
BY moses sagwe
