Wealth building possibilities for the common citizen throughout history has been a function of not only individual entrepreneurship, but also the overall economic and political structure of the society in which the individual is living. This is reflected in the structure of different societies in the world today - and thus the wealth in different societies reflects that. Wealth building requires stability and peace above all; rule of law, and finally, the freedom to express one's ideas and opportunities in a relatively free market environment. Without these, your efforts as a wealth builder will meet one obstacle after another until you have no energy to move on. This malaise then infects the larger society and causes the overall prosperity and wealth to decline.

Does this mean democracy is the only answer?

Not necessarily - if you check the requirements list - peace and stability, rule of law and freedom to express one's ideas in a free market environment - these have been provided in the past through just rulers and through kings and their council of ministers. While the common citizen then could not aspire to be the king, he or she could aim for a high position in the king's administration. Democracy was a maturation of this process which finally allowed every citizen to have equal rights - it was the descent of the king. Unfortunately, even today, in societies with democratic rule, there is too much residual power in the hands of those who are used to controlling the reins of power. Bi-party systems and systems without term limits do not help in the expression of myriad points of views of its citizens. Further maturation of the system will happen in due course of time.

Wealth builders and entrepreneurs naturally gravitate towards societies that not only provide the most opportunities, but let them achieve their objectives in a rational, objective way. Some societies however get completely run over with the notion of building wealth - without a balance between the world of form and formless. This lack of balance then translates into burn-outs, fatigue, isolation and an inexpressible form of emptiness in spite of splendid accomplishments in the world of form - weather it be wealth, position, power or acclaim. On the other hand, societies that have devoted themselves entirely to the formless - experience the type of poverty that wealth building societies have long left behind.

This is the second phase of maturation that will happen - achieving a balance between the wealth building, rational, objective society and one that provides human beings with much needed balance that keeps them connected with the world and with each other. This balance gives freshness and energy that fuels new ideas and makes life on earth the wonderful gift it is.

As a wealth builder, seek out this balance, and support this balance in your own life and society you live in. It is the best gift you can give to this world.