A Great Fortune is Indeed a Great Slavery (Essay Sample)

Student’s Name Instructor’s Name Course Date A Great Fortune is Indeed a Great Slavery Seneca, the Roman philosopher, asserted that a prodigious fortune is tantamount to a prodigious servitude. I find myself in agreement with this sentiment, for excessive affluence can often result in feelings of privilege, loneliness, and an intemperate lifestyle. Furthermore, it can be a source of responsibility and pressure. Wealth can bring a feeling of potency and prerogative, but can also be a cause for apprehension, strain, and even bondage. Thus, I concur with Seneca's opinion that a considerable fortune is a considerable enslavement. Exorbitant wealth can lead to a feeling of superiority, seclusion, and immoderate gratification. This can be seen in the ancient stories of affluent yet depraved rulers, who were so fixated on their own wealth and authority that it eventually brought about their ruin. As an example, King Midas was granted the power to transmute anything into gold, yet he became so engrossed with this capability that it eventually monopolized his life and brought him no enduring felicity (Symons 22). Similarly, in contemporary times, the wealthiest individuals, such as Jeff Bezos, have often become so captivated with their own resources and power that it has resulted in a scarcity of meaningful human connection and a detachment from reality. A great fortune can also generate an augmented sense of obligation and tension. When someone is obligated for managing a vast fortune, they are often expected to make decisions that are in the best interest of not only themselves, but also their family and the community (Pirson 780). This can be a daunting task, as even the slightest blunder can have a disastrous effect on the lives of many people. For instance, affluent families are often expected to give back to the community through generous donations and other forms of philanthropy. This can be a heavy responsibility, as the individual must find a way to use their resources in a way that will benefit most people. Some, however, dispute that having a great fortune is not a form of servitude, as it can provide individuals with financial liberation and the capacity to pursue their aspirations. While it is accurate that a great fortune can give individuals more pecuniary freedom, it can also be an encumbrance on their mental and physical well-being. Possessing an inordinate amount of money can generate a sentiment of self-importance and lead to a lifestyle of superfluousness (Weintrobe 357). This can result in a var...