Hurting words financial bloggers say

Of all the hurting words a financial blogger or so called "financially literate" wannebe can say, none is as condescending, belittling, and patronising as this quote below:

  

First, I can't verify Bill Gates actually said those words. And if he did, what context and perspective those words were uttered.

But it seems that didn't stop others from freely quoting "Bill Gates" whenever they need to prove a point or win an argument...

You know someone is at their wits end when they have to hide behind someone famous, rich, or powerful. It's the typical cowardly Singaporean response, "Not I say one hor. They all say one!"


Cheerleading

OK, there's only two context the above quote can be used in "positive" light.

The first is where you are in a motivational seminar or course where you are being sold to cheered the 'If you think you can, you can!" mantra. 

The second is where you are psyching yourself "I can do it!"

For both instances, you desperately need to buy-in to the notion that you can influence and control your own fate in life. 

The last thing you want to hear are destiny, alignment of the stars when you were born, luck, and heaven forbid, randomness!


You think you are better than others

Just like Jamie Dimon of JPMorgan Chase putting down a journalist with, "That's why I earn more than you", you feel smug about yourself telling others that if they die poor, it's their fault. 

Well,  so much for empathy...

You could be also feeling exasperated, angry, or even vindictive during a debate or argument with a "non-believer" (why must everyone be interested in financial freedom?), and in the heat of the moment, you let loose this Bill Gates quote knowing full well this would hurt.

And now you are feeling remorseful...   


Karma is a bitch

Don't give me the crap how you were poor or disadvantaged in your early days, and how you studied and worked hard to be where you are today.

That's even worse! You now twisting the bayonet and implying all those who die poor are lazy and don't apply themselves in life?

There's a Hokkien saying, "Words don't say too early."

It ain't over till the fat lady sings.

The day may come you lost everything through no fault of your own, and see how you feel some smart aleck tells it to your face, "You die poor, it's your mistake."