I was thinking about Maslow's Pyramid of Needs (http://easyandelegantlife.com/tag/maslows-hierarchy-of-needs/)
and then thinking of what the true measure of success is,especially in the Kenyan context.
Its amazing to think that we can have an old man,who owns a half acre plot,subsists on it and he would belong right up that pyramid....where he has attained 'self actualisation' he'd be addressed with respect,he would be full of wisdom,etc. Right up next to him,would be some wealthy philanthropists like Manu Chandaria - he is way beyond things like 'my mercedes'...'my trip to hawaii'...
Ironically,you will also find some wealthy people right down there (between love/belonging and safety) - people who have acquired wealth the wrong way - will rank right down there with paupers and slum dwellers - while their basic needs have been met,they still have unmet needs in society p friendship,love,acceptance and belonging.
Why do we always equate material wealth (or too much wealth) with success? Sometimes that too much wealth takes you right back down to the 2nd and 3rd segments - when you worry about your safety (car jacking,burglary,kidnap),when you lose touch with friends because you have become affluent (they go to New Rwathia for a beer - you go to Tamambo's or Bacchus and have a beer at Kshs 200 a blast - while they get change from 200 for two beers).
Its funny how we strive hard to make lots of money only to become a victim of your success,alone and miserable - all your money cannot buy real friendship,a sense of security,love....
The problem with equality is that we desire that it be with those that have more than us rather that those that have less