The Paradox of Prosperity: More Wealth, More Worries
Increasing material wealth can lead to an increase in internal anxieties and concerns for several interconnected reasons. First, according to I.A. Gundarov, the growth of well-being automatically stimulates an increase in life’s needs. In tandem, as one’s material condition improves, expectations also rise, so that even with better external conditions, there is a growing sense of dissatisfaction and a decline in the subjective quality of life. As noted in his discussion:"I.A.
Gundarov, in his remarkable monograph 'Why Do People Die in Russia, How Can We Survive?' [6] observes the following chain of dependencies: increased well-being → anticipatory growth of needs (i.e., life’s needs) → accumulation of dissatisfaction → decline in quality of life (i.e., psychological discomfort, illnesses). Thus, he concludes that an improvement in material condition can lead to a deterioration in its subjective perception—namely, the quality of life—and, consequently, to a rise in mental and somatic (bodily) illnesses." (source: link txt)Secondly, as material wealth increases, the level of demands is constantly maintained above the actual level of provision. As old needs are satisfied, new ones emerge, leading to an endless cycle of striving for more, which does not provide complete satisfaction even with rising income. This is underscored by the following reflection:"Thus, the level of demands is always maintained above the level of provision: through advertising, role models, and consumer leaders. People want to have more and more. As soon as old needs are met, new ones are awakened..." (source: link txt)Finally, material growth is often accompanied by the development of an attachment to money and accumulation, which can displace previously significant moral and spiritual values such as family, friendship, and principles associated with universal human ethics. This degradation of moral guidance contributes to internal conflict and emotional tension. This view is also reflected in a critical analysis of material wealth:"But economic progress and wealth, the acquisition of money—often by any means—often lead to the sin of greed, the passion for gain, and usury. And it is well known that, from a Christian perspective, the sin of greed is one of the most serious sins." (source: link txt)Thus, while increasing material wealth expands material possibilities, it simultaneously fuels rising expectations and needs, leading to a chronic sense of dissatisfaction, internal tension, and even moral disarray, which in turn gives rise to internal anxieties and concerns.Supporting citation(s):"I.A.
Gundarov, in his remarkable monograph 'Why Do People Die in Russia, How Can We Survive?' [6] observes the following chain of dependencies: increased well-being, anticipatory growth of needs (i.e., life’s needs), accumulation of dissatisfaction, decline in quality of life (i.e., psychological discomfort, illnesses)..." (source: link txt)"Thus, the level of demands is always maintained above the level of provision: through advertising, role models, and consumer leaders. People want to have more and more. As soon as old needs are met, new ones are awakened..." (source: link txt)