Research Suggests Rich People Tend To Act More Unethically

Wealthy individuals display higher rates of unethical conduct, according to multiple studies. Research shows luxury car drivers are less likely to yield to pedestrians, with likelihood decreasing 3% for every $1,000 increase in vehicle value. Finnish psychologists also found luxury car owners had more negative traits, including low empathy and stubbornness. A 15-year study discovered people with “dark triad” personalities—combining psychopathy, narcissism and machiavellianism—accumulated more wealth and status. Clinical psychopathy rates are three times higher among corporate boards than the general population. Steve Taylor from Leeds Beckett University suggests psychological disconnection drives both wealth accumulation and reduced empathy, creating a cycle where success becomes easier without concern for others’ suffering. (Story URL)