Why Do Intellectuals Have Few Chances to Become Rich?

Facing the situation that an increasing number of people have become what we call "upstarts", intellectuals have a strong desire to become rich, too. However, there seem to be few chances for them to realize their dreams. Putting the blame on the policy which they think is not beneficial to intellectuals usually makes them neglect the causes of their own.

First, being aloof from politics and material pursuit is considered to be the most important cause of their failure to become rich. Deep-rooted contempt for money which is in fact what they are in need of makes them hesitate to talk about it, let alone deal with it.

Second, setting great store by the reputation is also the obstacle on their way to becoming rich. Reputation is regarded by most intellectuals as more important than any other thing, including money. When making money and keeping reputation become contradictory, they will give up the latter without any reluctance.

Finally, lack of the quality of taking risks undoubtedly contributes to their failure to become a possessor of a huge sum of money. Worrying about personal gains and losses is always preventing them from "going to the commercial sea" which may give them the opportunity to change their impoverished state.

Therefore, intellectuals will only have the right to envy other people their possession of millions of dollars unless they are getting more and more adventurous, courageous and resolute.