Stop Romanticizing Poverty as Virtue

I read a post today about a mother and her child. The child asked to buy candy.

The mother gave him a certain amount of money. When the child came back,

he was happily eating a dessert that cost more than what she gave him. Instead of correcting

the situation, the mother gave him additional money and told him to pay the vendor.

The vendor was very thankful. The mother’s reflection was this “Those who have

less are the most kind.” At first glance, it feels heartwarming. But psychologically,

this mindset is dangerous. Kindness is not the problem. The belief that

poverty must be accompanied by sacrifice is. When we repeatedly praise people for