Wealth, Ego, and Lifestyle Inflation: Choosing Discipline Over Display
I recently read a social media post that made me pause. It talked about three levels of wealth. On the surface, Level 1 and Level 3 look the same. Both might commute. Both might take public transportation. Both might experience ordinary inconvenience. But the difference is not in the action. It is in the reason behind the action. Level 1 commutes because there is no alternative. Level 2 hires a driver because time becomes leverage. Level 3 can hire a driver and sometimes still chooses to commute. Not to save money. Not to look humble. But to stay grounded. That message hit me personally. Since 2020, I have been living in the province. Whenever I go to Manila, I usually book a Grab or Angkas ride. It feels convenient. Fast. Less stressful. I rarely take the jeep or bus anymore. But the last time I went to Manila, I had no urgent appointment. I had time. So I decided to take the jeep and bus again. At first, I felt unsure. Would I still remember the routes? Would it be i...