Karthik Pasupathy

We envy people who have generational wealth. Because they don't have to work hard or do anything to make a living. Whatever be the situation, they're financially safe. At least we think so.

I've done that too - bad mouth someone for enjoying their grandparent's or great-grandparent's wealth (because that's what I could do, considering my current net worth.)

But, how did that person, whom we're jealous about, got generational wealth in the first place?

One of their great-grandparents or great-great-grandparents, who had nothing, built something on their own, made enough money, was disciplined when it came to spending and investments, leaving behind enough for their heirs who did the same. 

And every successor who followed them conscious about what the wealth means for them and their future generations.

Because even if one successor makes a poor financial decision, their successive generations will have nothing.

It's fascinating when you think about it.

Personal finance gurus might argue saying "If they withdraw 4% of their wealth every year, and if the money grows at X %, the money would last a long time".

But, even for that to happen, discipline is the key. What if they start withdrawing 14% instead? Or fail to re-evaluate their wealth portfolio and reinvest in the right financial instruments?

They might end up with a huge loss.

It's insane! 

But, then I realized something personally. 

I should be that risk-taker in my family. I should be that great-grandparent for my future generations. The one who took the risk. The one who beat the odds. The one fell, but rose to great heights. 

It's like leaving an all-time high score in your neighborhood gaming arcade, challenging everyone else to beat that score. 

I want to be that guy. I hope I become that guy.

To get a break as an artist, you'll have to be an influencer.

I'm not kidding.

Think about it.

Influencers and celebrities pretty much do everything today.

They sell books, launch their own merch, teach courses, give out commencement speeches, invest in startups, come up with their own apparel, liquor, or cosmetic brand, launch their fitness startup, act in ads, produce movies, endorse products on their Insta or TikTok. Everything!

I don't blame them. There's a huge market for this.

The celebrity craze is at its peak now.

People worship celebrities. They see them as role models. They defend them when someone bad mouths them on social media. And, they do mean things out of love for their 'idols'.

But, that's not my problem. Hero worship is part of every society. Has been and will be.

My problem is with the kind of celebrities we as a society are giving rise to…

A 17-year old TikToker who posts GRWM videos and tries on new clothes is some kid's role model today.

Kids who idolize these influencers think that they don't have to study. They think education is a waste of time. Their dream goes from going to college to becoming an influencer and enjoying a cool lifestyle.

The same thing happens to a lot of women. They quit their career and jump onto OnlyFans to make money. What the hell! If you haven't heard about the girl who quit her PhD to do OnlyFans, go read it!

If this continues, no one will become a scientist or a researcher. Everyone would be holding their smartphones on a monopod and would be scream "Hey fammmm!..."

This whole craze around influencers and celebrities is crushing the spirit of art and true artists from around the world.

Before the 21st century, artists became celebrities. Now, celebrities are becoming artists.

I read somewhere that for a book to sell, publishers have set a new criterion.

The author has to have at least 1,00,000 followers on their social media - enough to get 5,000 to 10,000 pre-orders - which makes the book a bestseller.

When numbers take precedence over content, art gets diminished and mediocrity begins to sell. And, if you really want to be a writer, you have to do more than just write.

You'll have to create content, play to the rules of the 'algorithm', engage with your fans, voice out your opinion, gain your 1,000 true fans, and do a zillion other things to sell your book.

It's crazy!

I'm scared and worried when I think about the next generation, will they create an environment for real art to thrive?

Will they celebrate the masters like we or our previous generations did?

What kind of society we will be if we only prioritized and celebrated content that are sub-par or that only focuses on making money?

It shakes me up.

Only a miracle can change all of the above from happening.