The Rich Are Different, Not Just Financially, But Psychologically

Very wealthy people come in all flavors, but studies show that on average, they tend to be more selfish than the general population. That seems obvious, but it's only a part of what newer studies show. They also tend to be less empathetic, more aggressive, and more likely to break rules. In other words, they tend to display "dark traits": psychopathy, narcissism and machiavellianism. 

However, this presents a chicken-or-the-egg problem. Is there something about wealth that turns people toward those dark traits, or are people who already have those traits more likely to accumulate great wealth? It could very well be both. Studies show that people who have trouble connecting with others chase money as a substitute, but when that still doesn't provide satisfaction, they become more determined to fill the void with more wealth and power. 

This doesn't apply to all rich people (and wealth is relative), but we all know that there are benevolent ways to become less wealthy and more connected to others. Read about the psychology of the very rich at the Conversation.  -via Damn Interesting