https://www.alainguillot.com/poor-people/

Poor people stay poor because they are afraid other poor people will judge them for trying to get rich. -Dave Ramsey I think this is very appropriate, we are victims of our environment and we are deeply influenced by the people around us. I have a few friends who are rich, and I try to learn as much as possible from them. I also have some friends who are poor and although I enjoy their company, I try not to be like them. In the artistic community where I navigate, people are often called “Sold out” if the primary reasons to produce art is to make money. The truth is that in North America, many people are poor because they prefer to be poor, they have all the resources necessary to get out of poverty, but there are psychological factors that prevent them from building wealth. Reasons Why People Prefer to Stay Poor Social Pressure: People often conform to the expectations of their social group. Most stay poor not due to a lack of resources—especially in an era when everyone has a supercomputer in their pocket—but because they don’t want to betray their social group. This is a sociological phenomenon known as “crab mentality” or “crabs in a bucket” mentality. This idea suggests that members of a community or social group may, consciously or unconsciously, prevent each other and themselves from achieving success or rising above their current status. Religious Beliefs: There are many religions that discourage building wealth. In Christianity, the Bible states in Timothy 6:10, “For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil,” and in Matthew 6:24, “You cannot serve both God and money.” Islam teaches that “Richness does not lie in the abundance of worldly goods but richness is the richness of the soul.” Buddhism warns that attachment to material possessions and wealth can lead to suffering and distract individuals from the path to enlightenment. Hinduism views wealth as one of the four goals of life but emphasizes pursuing it in a balanced way that aligns with dharma (moral duty) and without greed. Self-Sabotage: Individuals from poorer backgrounds who achieve some level of success may feel like imposters or believe they do not deserve their achievements. This can lead to self-sabotage or not pursuing further opportunities. Breaking the Cycle Jim Rohn famously said, “Your net worth is the average of your five closest friends.” The people you spend the most time with have a significant impact on your attitudes, behaviors, and ultimately, your success. Although many of my friends are artists who struggle financially, I constantly seek the friendship and wisdom of those who are more successful than me. Steps to Breaking the Cycle: Surround Yourself with Successful People: In your environment, try to find the friendship of people who can guide and mentor you. Consume Inspirational Media: I constantly read books, listen to podcasts, and watch YouTube videos that motivate me. The messages are often repetitive, but they continuously reinforce the idea that I must do better. By adopting these strategies and changing your mindset, you can break free from the cycle of poverty and embrace a path to wealth and success.