Unpopular Opinion

This is the latest in the series of SavingNinja‘s Thought Experiment posts.

This is an idea to get bloggers to immediately respond to a question and all post their answers on their blogs. You have to write the first thing you think of and can’t pre-plan or do any major editing.

If you want to see previous versions see SavingNinja’s archives.

This is the first Thought Experiment I (Miss Way) have participated in so please take it easy on me!

So on to the question!

A different opinion is somewhat frowned upon in our clique based society, but some of the greatest minds of all time were outliers. They weren’t scared to go against the grain and stand up for what they believed in. So, for this Thought Experiment, I’d like you to reveal yourself: What opinion do you have that most of your peers do not share?

You Are Not Entitled to Anything

It seems these days that everyone feels entitled! 

They feel they have a divine right to: 

1. A pay cheque 
2. A flashy car 
3. A big house 
4. The latest flashy gadget 

However, a lot of people fail to realise that most of these things involve hard work, dedication and even luck (if you even want them at all!). 

Due to a no winners or losers’ culture, coupled with parents constantly over praising and spoiling their offspring, SOME children are growing up believing that they intrinsically deserve the things they want. This is a dangerous precedent to set, as when they enter the adult world they are in for a shock!  

Work ethic – Feeling entitled has really eroded a sense of work ethic. Why work hard for something it is your right to have?! We both know people in our workplaces that just want to turn up to work, not put in much effort yet still expect to be rewarded.  

Credit – The credit card culture has really exacerbated this sense of entitlement, giving instant access to “wanted items”. People have forgotten what it feels like to save and really work towards owning things they want.

Family – This is a controversial topic. There are many people that decide to start a family, without being in a suitable position to do so – be that financially or emotionally. They feel as a human being they are entitled to start a family but it is not always the best thing for the child. 

However, at ‘A Way to Less’ We Do Feel Entitled! 

So yes, we believe that technically nobody is entitled to anything. We are all created equal and none of us have any more right to resources and “things” than the next person. 

However! Mr Way and I are quite emotional people and we get extremely frustrated with the behaviour of some other humans!! We strongly feel we are entitled to be treated fairly and respectfully. Especially as we have grown up being taught that this is how we should treat others and therefore we expect it for ourselves. We assume others will be polite to us without question and get quite upset when they are not!

But we have to remind ourselves that THIS IS NOT A GIVEN! We are not entitled to be treated in a certain way, we have no right to politeness! Yes, the world would be a better place if everyone was kinder and gentler to each other but essentially we are animals with a survival of the fitness mentality!!! 

It can be hard work if you are always expecting the best from others, as you will be regularly disappointed. We both try to remind ourselves to lower our expectations a little so that we get less frustrated.

On a Positive Note!

This is why we really like those people we have crossed paths with in the FIRE community so far. People are so positive and encouraging to each other. We all seem to respect the fact that we’re working towards similar goals, with slightly different paths to achieve them.

It seems that people in the FIRE community don’t feel as entitled and in fact are willing to put in the hard graft to achieve what they want. After all, for the vast majority of us, FIRE is a very long term goal!!

We will continue to live by the principle of treating others as we expect to be treated ourselves. The more people who follow this principle, the happier a community we can create. Surround yourself with those who live by similar principles, but don’t expect too much from those who don’t!

Other Participants

I’ll add links to the other participants in this Thought Experiment below when they are published. Please give them all a read and tell them what you think!

• Our very own Mr Way!
• Saving Ninja
• in-deed-a-bly
• Caveman @ DitchTheCave
• Merely curious
• Marc @ FinanceYourFire
• Dr FIRE
• A Simple Life
• Money For The Modern Girl

If you want to take part yourself, please contact @SavingNinja on Twitter or contact him on his website.