Does spending money entitle me to treat others as inferior?

Spending money does not make you superior. Wherever you go, money cannot justify looking down on people, insulting them or disrespecting local residents. When I discuss the “three outlooks,” I mean one’s worldview, outlook on life and values, not the Three Officials deities. These ideas must also be reflected in how we treat people.

I once relayed news of Italian teenagers arguing with people in Thailand. What concerned me was the arrogance of “I bring you money, so I am above you.” Besides the young people’s conduct, the adults leading the group also needed to reflect on failing to stop it. This concerns the attitude in that news story, not everyone of a particular nationality.

Children may not yet understand right and wrong or know what they have done wrong. That is why adults need to teach them rather than dismissing it with “they are still young.” Recalling civics and moral education at school, I meant that respect, appropriate boundaries and sound values require teaching and action. Spiritual practice is the same. Feeling wealthy or more capable does not exempt you from respecting others.