[Porsche-O-Phile]

I wouldn't call them "successful" if they're a-holes. An a-hole that has money is still an a-hole at the end of the day.

Money can (and will) come and go in life - it's one's character and underlying personality that counts long-term. I've known plenty of folks that got rich, only to end up losing it all and they were left with nothing, because they'd become empty, hollow douchebags in the pursuit of that money (which they no longer had). Once the dollars were gone, they were left with NOTHING. At least a person with character in the same situation is able to land on his/her feet easier, get leads faster, rebuild more quickly, etc. People remember those who treat them well and professionally and they also remember those who treat them as just a "deal to be closed on". Reputations can never be bought - they are earned, whether for good or bad.

Ultimately I value long-term CAPABILITY to earn money far more than whether or not someone happens to have some today or not... That comes down to personality, ethics, trustworthiness, service, etc. Classic long-term versus short-term thinking. On a long enough timeline, long-term thinking ALWAYS prevails. Unquestionably. Reputation is everything and life is a marathon, not a sprint.

People that feel the need to constantly define themselves through their net worth or brag about how much money they have are TREMENDOUSLY insecure people. I tend to find them generally dismissible. Anyone can luck into money. Only people that work very hard can develop excellent personality skills and relationships that will last a lifetime.

You know why so many sales guys feel the "need" to brag about how much money they have? 'Cause they ain't got nothin' else. Completely shallow and worthless individuals.