Miser vs Spendthrift
I almost never saw anyone referring to a miserly person in a positive way, and I can totally understand that an extreme attachment to money, and an obssessive fear of losing it, can be pathological. At the same time, wasteful people, those who live paycheck to paycheck, buying things that they don't really need, getting into debt, and just being completely irresponsible with their own money, don't seem to attract the same negative connotation, even though we only need to spend a few minutes (or seconds) thinking to see that both are the two sides of the same coin. Why is this the case?
4 Replies
My guess is that people view the miserly person as selfish, like they want to keep every cent for themself.
The spendthrift is often viewed as overly generous, like they'll give to others even if it's to their own detriment.
I agree with you though that they're opposite extremes on the same spectrum, and we should likely strive for something more balanced.
I almost never saw anyone referring to a miserly person in a positive way, and I can totally understand that an extreme attachment to money, and an obssessive fear of losing it, can be pathological. At the same time, wasteful people, those who live paycheck to paycheck, buying things that they don't really need, getting into debt, and just being completely irresponsible with th
In society any act that weighs heavily in favour of the person themselves will tend to have a negative connotation. Likewise any act that favours society but is less favourable or even harmful to the individual, is considered honourable or has a positive connotation to it.
You are right- both acts are of the same coin. We as individuals need to take care of our basic needs first, and be smart about how we do that. If we do not know how to take care of ourselves- particularly how we think about things, then we tend to make a lot of poor short term decisions that negatively effects our future. In consequence we negatively affect the people who stand to learn from us (our children).
I almost never saw anyone referring to a miserly person in a positive way, and I can totally understand that an extreme attachment to money, and an obssessive fear of losing it, can be pathological. At the same time, wasteful people, those who live paycheck to paycheck, buying things that they don't really need, getting into debt, and just being completely irresponsible with th
A miser is not someone who tries to save money by reducing their outgoings and being responsible and patient etc. A miser is someone who is selfish and tries to get away with underpaying and haggles for things you shouldn't be haggling for and someone who doesn't buy a round for the table when it's their turn. It's specifically about social replication. Not saving up for stuff. Well done for being the sort of person who likes to save up for stuff?
Most likely some jealousy and envy involved. I wouldn't say that being a miser is admirable at all, but it is more admirable than being an irresponsible spendthrift. The reason people knock one more than the other ... yeah, jealousy and envy. It -- being a miser -- usually comes with large success. Funny my most beloved story and fictional character is Ebenezer Scrooge, who made the great leap from stingy miser to compassionate benefactor. Good move, he made. I guess the hostility toward the miser is somewhat warranted because of the psychology involved, and we feel that kind of by osmosis ... and don't like it.
