Look What That Money Make A: Understanding the Impact of Wealth

Money makes the world go ’round. Or at least that’s how the old saying goes. We live in a society driven by currency and commerce where net worth defines status and buying power enables opportunity. Yet money remains a complex force, with the ability to corrupt and uplift in equal measure. This begs the question what exactly does money make of a person?

The phrase “look what that money make a” looks at how wealth can change people. It suggests that money can completely change a person’s personality and priorities, but it’s not clear whether this is a good or bad change. Let’s look at where the phrase came from and how it relates to human psychology in order to better understand what it means.

The Origins and Meaning of “Look What That Money Make A”

This saying most likely came from hip hop in the late 1990s and early 2000s. Songs like Junior M’s “Get Money” and Juvenile’s “Ha” A. F. I. A. helped popularize the idea that money impacts personality. This phrase means that someone has become corrupted or lost their way after getting rich and famous.

In essence, “look what that money make a” conveys:

• Disapproval or critique of changes in character due to money
• A sense someone has lost their way or abandoned their roots
• The morally compromising influence of wealth and power
• Materialism overtaking values and relationships

So when it’s said, it’s usually with a tone of regret or disapproval. The speaker thinks that the enriched person is nothing like the person they used to be.

The Psychological Impact of Money

What does social science have to say about the connection between money and personality? Research suggests wealth can shape mindset and behaviors, but not always for the worse.

Some key findings on how money affects individuals

• Reduced empathy and compassion. Studies show that having more money can make you less sympathetic to other people’s problems. Wealth insulation creates social distance from hardship.

• Increased confidence and agency. Access to resources can raise feelings of control and self-sufficiency. Less financial uncertainty enables more boldness.

• Greater entitlement and narcissism. Wealthier individuals can develop heightened self-interest along with expectations of special treatment.

• Lessened generosity and ethics. Some research indicates higher income predicts more unethical behavior like cheating, rule-breaking, and lying. But findings are mixed.

• Enhanced well-being and satisfaction. Up to a certain threshold, money does appear to increase happiness and life contentment for many. Poverty exacerbates stress and hardship.

So in truth, the psychological impact depends heavily on the individual and how wealth is wielded.

Key Factors That Determine If Money Changes Someone

Money itself does not corrupt or improve character. Much depends on internal values and the social and cultural context. A few key factors that shape whether wealth uplifts or degrades include:

• Initial level of compassion. Those with strong concern for others may remain generous despite riches.

• Ethical foundations. Money amplifies existing morals (or lack thereof). Moral clarity prevents ill-gotten gains.

• Reasons for seeking money. Those motivated by purpose over possessions remain grounded if income rises.

• Use of resources. Devoting funds to serve others versus self prevents detachment from society.

• Cultural values. Community focus on humility and humanity prevent money from inflating egos.

• Quality of relationships. Ties to moral friends and family create accountability for how wealth is applied.

• Sources of self-esteem. Those who find identity beyond money can better resist its subtle corruption.

The Healthiest Response to Wealth

Based on the complex psychological forces at play, what mindsets and practices foster healthy values as financial resources grow?

• Maintain ethical sharpness, cleaving closely to personal and professional codes of conduct.

• Hold strong relationships as the highest priority, above any material gains.

• Give generously and seek worthy causes to fund rather than accruing possessions.

• Reflect on how much is enough and set thresholds for need versus greed.

• Stay grounded in community and find friends who know your authentic self, not just your net worth.

• Express gratitude daily for non-monetary blessings like health and purpose.

• Develop non-financial sources of meaning through spirituality, service, family, and hobbies.

• Set an example of integrity for others to show money need not change one’s character.

The Higher Purpose of Wealth

Money makes nothing of a person. Only we can choose who we become as fortunes rise or fall. With intention, self-awareness, and wisdom, it remains possible to prosper financially while also prospering as a human being. When channeled positively, wealth creates opportunity to lift up others and serve needs greater than ourselves. Perhaps that is the highest purpose of resources – shaping not merely what money makes of us, but what we make of the money.