Is Poverty the Root of All Suffering?

The idea that poverty is the root of all suffering has been debated for centuries. On the surface, it seems like an obvious answer to why people experience hardship—lack of resources, hunger, and homelessness can undoubtedly lead to significant suffering.

But what if this suffering isn’t as much about absolute poverty as it is about relative poverty? What if our perception of what we lack, in comparison to others, is actually a larger source of our distress?

This article explores the idea that suffering isn’t always the result of being poor in the traditional sense, but rather, it’s often a matter of perception, comparison, and societal expectations.

Let’s examine this theory and see if poverty truly is the root cause of all suffering, or if it’s just one of many contributing factors.

The Concept of Relative Poverty

Understanding Relative vs. Absolute Poverty

To fully grasp the relationship between poverty and suffering, it’s important to differentiate between absolute and relative poverty.

• Absolute Poverty refers to the lack of basic necessities, such as food, shelter, and clothing. People living in absolute poverty struggle to meet their survival needs, and their suffering is immediate and undeniable¹.
• Relative Poverty, however, refers to the condition of lacking resources in comparison to others within the same society. While one may have enough to survive, the gap between one’s lifestyle and that of the wealthier members of society can lead to feelings of inadequacy, jealousy, and frustration².

It’s this sense of relative poverty that often causes the most psychological distress³. As the gap between the rich and the poor continues to grow, more people are suffering not from actual deprivation, but from the frustration of seeing others who have more than they do.

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The Role of Social Comparison in Suffering

Humans are inherently social creatures, and comparison is a natural part of our existence⁴. It’s how we measure our success, our worth, and our happiness. However, this social comparison can sometimes lead to emotional pain⁵, particularly when it highlights our perceived inadequacies.

Take, for example, the experience of someone who grows up in a poor rural community and moves to a city for education or work. While their basic needs might be met, the stark contrast between their modest lifestyle and the luxurious lives of others can lead to feelings of isolation and failure. The pain comes not from the lack of food or shelter, but from the perceived inequality⁶.

This feeling is exemplified by the saying, “I could have endured the darkness if I had never seen the light.⁷” The moment a person becomes aware of what they don’t have—what others possess—it becomes much harder to bear their own situation.

Summary: Relative poverty causes psychological distress by making people feel inadequate compared to wealthier individuals, even when their basic needs are met.

Is Suffering Inherent in Poverty?

The Psychological Impact of Poverty

While relative poverty can certainly lead to suffering, it’s important to note that the psychological effects of poverty are not uniform. For some, poverty is a source of deep anguish. For others, it is simply a temporary phase of life to overcome. Much of this depends on one’s mindset and resilience.

• Lack of Resources and Limited Opportunities: In cases of absolute poverty, where people cannot access basic needs or opportunities for advancement, suffering is directly linked to survival⁸. The feeling of being stuck in an unchanging cycle of hardship is suffocating.
• Personal Expectations and Cultural Pressure: However, in many cases, the pain of poverty is exacerbated by societal expectations. For instance, the pressure to own a house, drive a car, or provide the best education for children can become overwhelming, especially when one feels they are falling short compared to their peers.

How Society Fosters the Perception of Poverty

A major contributor to suffering is the societal emphasis on material wealth as a marker of success⁹. In modern society, where wealth is often equated with self-worth, those who have less can feel invisible, ashamed, or inferior. This social construct of success can increase suffering, even in situations where people’s basic needs are met.

Historical Perspective: Just one generation ago, many of our parents lived in conditions that today would be considered extreme poverty. They might have eaten meat only once a year, shared a coat between siblings, and lived in sparse homes with no modern conveniences. Yet, despite these hardships, many report not feeling the same level of anguish we experience today. Why? Because the comparison wasn’t as sharp as it is now. Everyone around them had similar struggles, and there was a sense of solidarity, not constant comparison.

Summary: Poverty can cause suffering due to lack of resources and societal pressures, but its impact varies based on mindset, resilience, and cultural expectations.

Breaking the Cycle of Suffering: How to Shift the Perspective

Shifting the Focus from External Comparison to Internal Growth

If poverty is not the root cause of suffering, then what is? The answer lies in the imbalance within our minds. Many people focus too much on what they lack, which causes distress. Shifting the focus to what one has—such as education, opportunities, and personal growth—can bring hope and meaning.

• Vertical Comparison: One way to break free from the cycle of suffering is to compare your current situation to that of your ancestors or the generations before you. If you’ve received more education, experienced more opportunities, and earned more than your parents, then you are already wealthier than they were. This vertical comparison can help you see your growth, offering hope and a renewed sense of purpose.
• Horizontal Comparison: On the other hand, comparing yourself to those who have more wealth can be detrimental. It may cause feelings of inadequacy and dissatisfaction. Instead, try focusing on your own personal development and achievements. Success isn’t about keeping up with others; it’s about continually improving yourself.

The Role of Intentional Living and Reflection

To escape the cycle of poverty-induced suffering, it’s crucial to adopt a mindset of “intentional living.” This means observing and reflecting on your environment, your relationships, and your inner self.

• Observing the World Around You: By becoming more aware of the world and the people in it, you can better understand your position and how to improve it. This process of observation leads to insight, which ultimately helps you see new opportunities.
• Self-Reflection: Ask yourself, what are the root causes of your suffering? Is it really the lack of wealth, or is it your comparison to others? By identifying the root causes, you can begin to take steps to change your mindset and approach to life.

Summary: Shift focus from comparing with others to valuing personal growth and reflecting on your progress to find hope and break the cycle of suffering.

Bottom line: Suffering is Multi-Faceted

Poverty is undoubtedly a challenging condition, but it is not the sole root of all suffering. In many cases, suffering arises from relative poverty, the perception of lacking what others have. By shifting focus from comparison to personal growth, from external validation to internal peace, individuals can begin to break free from the chains of suffering.

Call to Action: If you find yourself struggling with these feelings of inadequacy, consider reflecting on your journey. Shift your focus from what you lack to what you’ve gained, and adopt a mindset of growth and resilience. Remember, the key to overcoming suffering often lies not in changing the world around you, but in changing how you perceive and respond to it.

Trusted source

1. https://www.economicshelp.org/blog/glossary/definition-of-absolute-and-relative-poverty/ ↩︎
2. https://endpoverty.org/relative-poverty-vs-absolute-poverty/ ↩︎
3. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7525587/ ↩︎
4. https://www.thesocialcreatures.org/thecreaturetimes/evolution-of-social-connection ↩︎
5. https://www.taylorfrancis.com/chapters/edit/10.4324/9780203774106-9/social-comparison-coping-process-howard-tennen-glenn-affleck ↩︎
6. https://www.rsfjournal.org/content/10/5/34 ↩︎
7. https://hellopoetry.com/poem/2736/had-i-not-seen-the-sun/ ↩︎
8. https://endpovertynowinc.org/blog/6-different-types-of-poverty/#:~:text=Absolute%20poverty%2C%20also%20known%20as%20extreme%20poverty%2C%20is,such%20as%20food%2C%20clean%20water%2C%20shelter%2C%20and%20healthcare. ↩︎
9. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8951562/ ↩︎