Poverty is collateral damage. While those with little, by necessity, adapt and learn to live for what they do have, for the wealthy, desire is a chain and a ruse that their next acquisition will restore joy and happiness. Entrenched in a karma of their own making, some learn, but like any addiction, the pain of withdrawal is acute and intense. Fear of loss tightens the hold on a life of possessions and acquisition that ultimately becomes a hollow abundance, like fool's gold. It is said that the key to spiritual awakeniing or enlightenment is to relinquish all desire, but most of us would choose to be rich given the chance. However, there is a price to pay for wealth and it is not money.
