The Illusion of Wealth: What Are We Teaching the Next Generation?

If our children see us going the extra mile just to acquire liabilities—slaying in designer outfits, chasing expensive cars, and proudly wearing other people’s labels—they’ll grow up believing that success is about appearance, not impact. They’ll think that happiness comes from Gucci, not growth. From Versace, not vision.

Let’s be honest: Gucci, Versace, Givenchy—these aren’t just fashion brands. They’re family names. Names that were turned into global empires. These individuals didn’t just wear fashion—they built it. They monetized their passion, stitched their legacy into every garment, and now touch every corner of the world with their creations.Meanwhile, many of us wear their names proudly, but forget to build our own. We glorify their labels, but neglect our own potential. And our children are watching.

What Are We Really Teaching?

If our children only see us joyful when we buy luxury brands or when we’re intoxicated, what message are we sending? That fulfillment comes from consumption? That identity is tied to what we wear or drink? I’m not even sure “designer alcohol” is a real thing—but I do know this: alcohol doesn’t change the world. Vision does.

Gianni Versace once said, “Don’t be into trends. Don’t let fashion own you, but you decide what you are.” And another quote I love: “In the past, people were born royal. Nowadays, royalty comes from what you do.” That’s the kind of mindset we need to pass on—not just to our children, but to our communities.

The Car Culture Trap

Here in Africa, it’s not uncommon to see young people still living with their parents, yet driving luxury cars. As soon as they land a job, their first priority is often a car—not an investment, not a savings plan, not a business idea. Just a car.

This relentless pursuit of looking rich has kept many from becoming rich. If you don’t own cash-generating assets, if you don’t have an investment portfolio or a business that builds real wealth, then living lavishly on the outside will only make you feel emptier on the inside. It lowers self-esteem and increases the need to mask inner poverty with outer luxury.

Not everyone driving a car is successful. Some of the greatest minds in history didn’t own flashy vehicles—they owned dreams. And as the saying goes, “Modern slaves aren’t in chains—they’re in debt.” Many of the cars we admire are financed through loans that will take years to repay.

The Bicycle Paradox

Let’s take a moment to look beyond our borders. In countries with booming economies—like the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, Germany, and Denmark—bicycles are a respected mode of transport. People use them to commute, drop off their kids, and run errands. In Copenhagen, the world’s most bicycle-friendly city, cycling is a symbol of health, sustainability, and practicality.

But here in Africa, a bicycle is often seen as a symbol of poverty. We associate wealth with car ownership, even when the car is financed with debt and offers no return on investment. Ironically, the richest nations embrace simplicity, while the poorest chase symbols of wealth.

The Home Ownership Myth

Let’s talk about houses. Owning a home can elevate your social status, offer comfort, and provide stability. But let’s be clear: a house is not a wealth creation strategy unless it’s a commercial property generating income.Too many business owners take capital that could be used to grow their ventures and pour it into building homes—homes that don’t pay them back. They confuse comfort with wealth, and status with strategy.The Real MessageI’m not against owning nice things. I’m not against cars, homes, or fashion.

My point is simple: mindset matters. It’s better to delay buying liabilities and invest in assets first. It’s better to build something that lasts than to buy something that fades.We need to do better. History is staring at us.

The next African generation is looking up to us—not for what we wear, but for what we build. Let’s teach them that success is about impact, not image. Let’s show them that royalty isn’t inherited—it’s earned.Let’s stop glorifying consumption and start celebrating creation. Because the real designer label isn’t Gucci—it’s your legacy.