By David J. Hudson, WeMustChange.org

The definition of wealth is “an abundance or profusion of anything; plentiful amount.” “A great quantity or store of money; valuable possessions, property or other riches.” And happiness is defined as “The quality or state of being happy.” “Good fortune; pleasure; contentment; joy.”

I wonder does being wealthy mean you’re happy and if you’re happy does that mean you’re wealthy.

We as Americans believe that wealth is having materialistic things, power and money. If you have those things, you’re wealthy or at least you think you are. We have been programmed and misled by our past and present to think that accumulating lots of material possessions, makes one person better than the other and so forth. And with our capitalistic approach toward consumerism, we are headed toward an environmental and societal catastrophe if we continue this blind approach to the so-called pursuit of happiness while disregarding people and our planet’s natural resources.

Real wealth in my view is respecting nature and our environment, showing compassion and love for our fellow man, and creating an atmosphere where the majority can benefit from a fair and balanced economic system. Wealth is a state of mind and not something that can be gauged solely on monetary or material possession.

Real happiness is living life with a purpose, decent standard of living, working two to three days a week, enjoying time off with family, friends or whatever you choose, displaying love, and compassion to our fellow man. This symbolizes real happiness.

We can not allow a few, those with power and money to distract us all from the real meaning of wealth and happiness. We can not lose sight that we are all connected and should all participate in making life better for everyone. It should not be limited or exclusive to those with money.

Most people around the world are under the belief that “America” is a wealthy country and that the majority of its citizens are happy and stable financially, which is not true. It is my opinion that if you took a poll, majority of Americans would not consider themselves stable financially and are not completely happy with their life, job or their government.

My question is, what is real wealth? What is happiness to you? Are you happy?

A country that has pristine waters, forests, respect for the environment and its citizenry, is wealthier and happier than a country with all the riches in the world. Wealth is more than about what one person or country accumulates monetarily. It is not that simple and we should not fall privy to such a false illusion.

Many people on a daily basis are trapped in the illusion that they can achieve and one day attain “Happiness.” Our founding fathers placed in our constitution that we have a right to life, liberty and the “pursuit of happiness.” Let’s remember the “Pursuit of happiness,” which doesn’t mean everyone will attain it. Our current system doesn’t allow for everyone to reach such level of happiness and so-called wealth. Many believe that they can and some on occasion break through, however that number is very small. What we need is a system that works for the majority and not just a few.

With hundreds of our rivers, lakes and streams contaminated with toxins from greedy and unregulated corporations that are poisoning fish we consume and destroying our environment, I wouldn’t consider that as wealth but a society who is teetering on the brink of self-annihilation. We can not consider ourselves a wealthy nation with a mindset like this.

Wealth is valuing life, the environment and the people.