Defining wealth merely by economic and financial measures is limited and does not lead to well-being. We have the capacity to redefine wealth and success and to live in accordance with those values. Part of right livelihood includes examining all of the consequences of our labor.

Materialism and conventional measures of wealth can lead to dukkha (unsatisfactoriness). Driven by the wish to make money and accumulate possessions, people often pay less attention to the negative consequences of their labor. Materialism and the greed for more often influence us to be more competitive, even willing to harm others in order to get ahead. If we can question how much we really need and decrease our desire for always having more, we can pay more attention to other measures of wealth besides money. By finding more holistic measures, we can create conditions for contentment.

Alternative measures of success take into account living standards, health, good governance, ecological diversity, resilience, time use, psychological well-being, cultural diversity, community vitality, etc. Valuing our natural world, relationships, peace of mind, and other factors, leads us to choose livelihoods that are more harmonious and fulfilling. Some cultures measure wealth by how much a person gives away.

We can define wealth and success by our own measures, rather than accepting conventional ideas of wealth which often do not lead to contentment. A successful person can be a wandering yogi, a mathematician, an artist, an entrepreneur, an innovator, a leader, or, indeed, any type of person, if they live in accord with their beliefs.

Reflect on the definition of wealth embedded in their culture and how that impacts their life choices. Consider different possible definitions of wealth and wellbeing and how these would influence their life choices.

• Are rich people happier?
• What does it mean to be successful?
• What are the characteristics of a successful person?
• How would you define wealth?
• How can wealth be defined beyond economic/financial measures?
• Imagine a world where wealth is measured not by how much you have, but by how much you give to others, what would that feel like?

Analyze how conventional definitions of wealth based solely on material accumulation can lead to dukkha and competitive harm; evaluate alternative measures of success that incorporate ecological sustainability, community wellbeing, and psychological health; and synthesize understanding by designing career pathways that embody right livelihood principles while demonstrating how redefining wealth creates conditions for both personal contentment and collective benefit.