Most people look at the word "privileged" and immediately associate it with entitlement. I'm sure you've heard the phrase, "check your privilege," at least once by now, whether directly towards you or in context. You may have even used that phrase to call someone out.
I have one question to ask:
Why is privilege a bad thing?
Everyone is privileged in their own way. No matter your upbringing, no matter your health, wealth, social status, job, relationships or anything else. You have your own privilege.
You are unique. That's a massive privilege.
I hope to convince you that privilege is a good thing. That having different skill sets, environments and interests are all things that better everyone around you. It's something to be celebrated in my mind.
But, I get it. It's easy to look at people like Jeff Bezos and think, "man, that dude has too much money. He doesn't deserve that. Who needs $200B (or whatever he's up to now)?? He could solve so many world problems with that money!"
You're probably right, he could provide a lot of aid to different areas in various forms. But you know what he's done in the process of building that wealth for himself? Built MASSIVE wealth for millions of others.
Think about it.
Amazon, being worth over $1T now, has created incomes for millions of people. Bezos' other companies (like Blue Origin) has created thousands of jobs for direct employees, as well as provided work for likely thousands of sub contractors. I've personally had a part in creating components for their rocket engines. The reach that Bezos has had because he capitalized on his privilege (building companies/worth) is intangible. You cannot quantify his value to society.
My point is this. Yes, Bezos is worth way more than most would know what to do with. But that's actually a good thing. His ability to make money creates opportunities for others to do the same.
Your ability to do your thing creates opportunities for others to do their thing.
Your privilege is only a bad thing if you squander it.
So, make the most of it. Hone in your skills or your craft, and set yourself apart. Be a good steward of the gifts you've been given. Bless others with it, whether that be through a gift, service, employment, or anything else your creative mind can come up with.
Embrace your privilege, and be grateful for it. Gratitude will always be imperative to an enjoyable life.
I find when I appreciate the gifts I've been given, I work harder. My enjoyment with work increases. Relationships get better. Everything gets better when you are grateful for what you've been given.
My parents have a sign up in their house that says, "There is always, always, always something to be grateful for."
I think about that often, as it really is true. Even when things go poorly or you find yourself in desperate situations, there's always something to be grateful for.
Start with being grateful for you blessings - your privilege - and I'd be willing to bet your perspective of others will improve.
Appreciate your privilege, my friends. God bless.