The article discusses the automatic assumptions people make about someone's wealth based on their possessions, such as branded cars and accessories. It highlights how these quick judgments reflect societal beliefs rather than true financial status. The author argues that while associating certain objects with success is commonplace, it is important to realize that these perceptions can be misleading and not necessarily indicative of wealth.

The text references the work of economists and psychologists, including Thorstein Veblen's concept of 'conspicuous consumption', which describes the act of spending on luxury goods to signal social status. This behavior transforms consumption from mere utility to a form of social communication. The article points out that, despite the prevalent view that wealth is easily communicated through material possessions, true wealth is based on financial principles rather than social signals.

Furthermore, the piece emphasizes that human brains are wired to make rapid judgments, using mental shortcuts or heuristics that can lead to oversimplification in understanding complex social dynamics like wealth. Overall, the article encourages a more nuanced perspective on wealth, urging readers to question societal narratives about success and materialism.