From Disney’s Scrooge McDuck and Cruella de Vil to DC Comics’ Lex Luthor and Mr. Burns in “The Simpsons,” popular culture is rife with portrayals of wealthy individuals wielding their power in malevolent ways. But is there any truth to the stereotype that the rich are inherently mean? While many affluent individuals engage in philanthropy, research in psychology suggests a link between wealth and unethical behavior, including a tendency to cheat and steal.
One study discovered that individuals from the upper class are more likely to focus selfishly on their interests. Conversely, those from lower social classes tend to exhibit more compassion toward others’ suffering. Further research indicates that drivers of expensive cars are less likely to behave altruistically, often failing to yield to pedestrians or other drivers. Notably, the likelihood of a driver slowing down for pedestrians decreases by 3% for every additional $1,000 their car is worth.
Wealth and Personality Traits
This pattern extends beyond driving habits. A study by Finnish psychologists found that luxury car owners often display negative personality traits, such as being disagreeable, stubborn, and lacking in empathy. The implication is clear: wealth may correlate with less altruistic behavior.
The question then arises: does wealth inherently corrupt, or are those with ruthless tendencies simply more likely to amass wealth? To explore this, psychologists often refer to the concept of “dark triad” personalities, which encompass traits of psychopathy, narcissism, and Machiavellianism. These traits, characterized by selfishness and low empathy, are more prevalent among the wealthy.
Research shows that dark triad personalities tend to possess higher levels of status and wealth. A study following participants for 15 years found that people with dark triad traits gravitated towards the top of the organizational hierarchy and were wealthier.
The Pursuit of Wealth
Why do individuals with these traits seek wealth? According to some experts, a state of intense psychological separation may drive this behavior. Strong psychological boundaries can lead to feelings of disconnection from others and the world, resulting in a lack of empathy. This disconnection can create a sense of psychological lack, prompting individuals to pursue wealth, status, and power as compensatory measures.
Moreover, a lack of empathy can facilitate success. It allows for ruthlessness in the pursuit of wealth, enabling individuals to manipulate and exploit others without concern for the consequences. This dual effect of psychological disconnection fosters both a desire for wealth and the means to achieve it.
Wealth and Wellbeing
It is essential to note that not all wealthy individuals are mean-spirited. Some acquire wealth through innovation, chance, or a genuine desire to benefit others. However, the factors outlined above suggest a high incidence of meanness among the affluent.
Studies imply that the correlation between wealth and dark triad traits is proportional, with wealthier individuals more likely to exhibit these traits. Interestingly, while some dark traits are linked to lower happiness levels, certain types of narcissism, such as grandiose narcissism, correlate with higher happiness.
A 2010 study by Nobel laureate Daniel Kahneman and Angus Deaton found that happiness increased in line with income up to around $75,000 a year (equivalent to $110,000 in 2025). However, beyond this threshold, additional wealth does not equate to increased happiness.
Recent research offers a nuanced view. A study by Kahneman and colleagues suggests that happiness may continue to rise with income for some wealthy individuals, though not for an unhappy minority. A 2022 study found that the happiness threshold varies by country, with higher thresholds in societies with greater inequality.
Another study by Kahneman and colleagues found that for individuals focused on financial success, life satisfaction decreased as income increased. Overall, evidence indicates that wealth alone is unlikely to fulfill the contentment wealthy individuals seek, as their wealth and status do not alleviate their sense of incompleteness.
As the debate over the ethics of wealth continues, these findings offer a deeper understanding of the psychological dynamics at play, suggesting that the pursuit of wealth may be as much about psychological needs as it is about financial gain.
