Why rich people are rich

A loss means giving up something you actually have; not acquiring a gain means giving up something theoretical rather than actual. That bias sounds logical, but it's often not -- because we tend to overvalue what we might lose. Say you decide not to attend a meeting because you don't want to "lose" an hour of your time. But you might meet the perfect partner for a joint venture.

But that investment might allow you to create a product line that opens up a new revenue stream. Most losses, if they do occur, can be overcome. If nothing else, their downside is limited. But potential gains can have unlimited upsides. So don't try to change your personality -- but do try to change your behavior. Once in a while, set aside your fear and take a chance.

Even if you "lose," you'll still gain from the experience. Which, ultimately, is the point. Attitudes drive behaviors, but behaviors -- and the results of those behaviors -- also shape personality.

Where getting rich is concerned, personality clearly matters. But so do behaviors. Like investing in yourself and others. Taking intelligent risks. Doing a lot of small things right, over and over again. While hopefully achieving other non-monetary goals along the way -- like making a difference, however small, in the lives of other people. Because then, even if you don't get rich, you'll still be wealthy.

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Author Stephen Chupaska. Published Read More. CBS Experts Weigh in on What We — and Business — Can Do About It As the world continues to confront the threat of climate change, business must play a leading role in how society will develop solutions to this challenge. Liberal Democrats, in particular, have a negative view about billionaires. Young adults are more likely than older people to say that billionaires are a bad thing. In both parties, those under age 30 are more likely than older people to express negative views of how billionaires affect the country.

Among the public, there are only modest differences by family income in views of the impact of billionaires. In times of uncertainty, good decisions demand good data. Please support our research with a financial contribution. It organizes the public into nine distinct groups, based on an analysis of their attitudes and values. Even in a polarized era, the survey reveals deep divisions in both partisan coalitions.

Use this tool to compare the groups on some key topics and their demographics. Pew Research Center now uses as the last birth year for Millennials in our work. President Michael Dimock explains why. About Pew Research Center Pew Research Center is a nonpartisan fact tank that informs the public about the issues, attitudes and trends shaping the world.