Matt Rodermund’s definition of a rich person, given at the CAS’s 75th anniversary celebration, is worth repeating.
A rich person is one who:
Has enough money to pay his bills and enough extra to indulge in some of life’s pleasures.
Loves his family.
Knows that his family loves him.
Knows that he has the liking and respect of his friends and colleagues.
Enjoys his occupation and knows he is earning his wages.
Has talent in and enjoys activities other than his occupation, such as music, painting, writing, gardening, carpentry, photography or other.
Is generous and enjoys being so.
Can laugh and can cry.
Has had the experience of receiving ovations for individual effort.
Has sufficiently good health to be able to enjoy all the foregoing.
Has had sufficient pain or sorrow or discouragement to appreciate even more keenly the good things mentioned above.
If this definition of a “rich person” is accepted, then you’ll know what a rich person I am.
(The use of the words “he,” “him” and “his” above is generic, not sexist.)
