A Bit About Showing Off: What's Behind Expensive Cars?

Every man has moments when he starts thinking about his success, his status, and how he's perceived by others. Oh, those expensive cars, the luxurious red Ferraris and black Lamborghinis — they all scream: "I'm cool!" But what really lies behind all this flash? And how not to lose yourself in the race for status symbols?

Every man has moments when he starts thinking about his success, his status, and how he's perceived by others. Oh, those expensive cars, the luxurious red Ferraris and black Lamborghinis — they all scream: "I'm cool!" But what really lies behind all this flash? And how not to lose yourself in the race for status symbols?

When I worked as a car washer at a hotel, I was lucky enough to see more than one collection of cars that only the rich and successful can afford. I dreamt of one day driving even one of them. And here's why: the long-awaited sign of success, a symbol of power and respect. After all, what could be cooler than a cool car? It's like a bright signal to the world: I'm smart, wealthy, and I've got something to show.

But here's the paradox — I never really paid attention to the people behind the wheel. We often think that a car is the key to respect and admiration from others. Have you ever stopped to think that when you see someone in a red Ferrari, you don't really care who they are? In your head, you think: "If I had one, everyone would think I’m cool!" And that’s how it usually works.

In a letter I wrote to my son, I said: "You might think that you need to buy expensive things — a car, watches, a house — to succeed. But in reality, what you really want is for people to admire you, not your things." I realized this while still working as a car washer, when I watched the owners of Ferraris and Rolls-Royces. I didn’t notice them as people. I saw their cars and imagined what it would be like to be in their place.

It didn’t come to me right away. This understanding wasn't as obvious as I'd like. In reality, respect and admiration don’t depend on the car you drive or what you wear. What matters most is how you act — your actions, your personality, and how you treat others.

So, if you're still dreaming of expensive toys, remember this: cars and status symbols won't make you cool. You become cool when you learn to respect yourself and others, not depend on what others think of you.