Why did Elvis give away so much?

[MissyM]

He was so generous. Some will say unwisely so, not investing well and just bad financial decisions. Reckless.

I contend that he he thought being too rich was not good. Back to his religious upbringing and ideals about money. I also think giving made him feel good, like a high in an emotional way. I also wonder if he thought he could buy peoples love and loyalty? (knowing being around him was tuff at times)

[Diane]

I think all the reasons you suggested are valid Missy. I think that much money did scare him and that it did make him feel good to give to others...as you said, it gave him an emotional high.

I do think it was to buy people's affection and loyalty as well too being that he was given a hard time growing up in a poor family and in high school because he chose to look so different. That in itself was a cry for attention. He was a very insecure individual all his life.

Diane

[MissyM]

Very insightful Diane.

[Merry]

I feel that if you have money, it should be shared. If you don't have money, you share whatever you can share. That's what being very human is about. In my opinion, that is how Elvis was, and raised as a young boy to be, by Mrs Presley.

With respect Diane, I feel that if Elvis liked something, he wore it. Aren't all/most of us the same? Who cares about what other people think?

Elvis loved his family and friends, so he shared what he had with them. I don't feel that there were any ulterior motives, at all. :hug:

Kimmi

[shelley.m.]

I had read that even as a child,Elvis would give away his toys to other kids.Elvis was just a 'giving' person all his life.

[utmom2008]

I do think it was to buy people's affection and loyalty as well too being that he was given a hard time growing up in a poor family and in high school because he chose to look so different.
Diane



Elvis loved his family and friends, so he shared what he had with them. I don't feel that there were any ulterior motives, at all. :hug:
Kimmi

I agree with Diane on this one. I don't think Elvis had an "ulterior motive" when he gave gifts to friends. To have an "ulterior motive" would mean that it was premeditated, calculated and full of forethought. I think subconsciously he was hoping for affection and loyalty, but probably consciously was not even aware of those feelings.

[Donut]

I think it was a mix of being extremely generous and wanting to impress.

[john carpenter]

Elvis was a poor person in real life when he was young and at heart he remembered how it felt to do without. And the joy on peoples faces when he gave them gifts made him that more richer emotionally.Did i confuse y'all? What i mean is Elvis was rich financially and rich in his heart when he gave!:Lighten:

[Merry]

Elvis was a poor person in real life when he was young and at heart he remembered how it felt to do without. And the joy on peoples faces when he gave them gifts made him that more richer emotionally.Did i confuse y'all? What i mean is Elvis was rich financially and rich in his heart when he gave!:Lighten:


No, you didn't at all, David. Thank you. :)


Kim

[midnight]

Elvis was a very giving person. He did not give things to improve his popularity, he just gave because he was a very generous man. Most entertainers give to big charities today because it is a part of their job and usually by doing so they get some rewards or publicity. Elvis did give a lot to charities and many times he did so in a very discreet manner. I think Elvis truly admired and respected his fans. He never forgot that it was us who got him to the top! We know so many stories of how he gave away cars, rings, and so much more to the common man on the street but I often think about the stories that were never told and I am sure that there are countless of them.
He did not give gifts because he was "Elvis Presley Superstar", he gave gifts because he was just a kind, generous person who got great joy out of giving to others and felt fortunate enough to be able to do so!

[Diane]

I think it was a mix of being extremely generous and wanting to impress.

I think Donut said it best in fewer words.:D

Diane

[hounddog]

i to have read that he gave away toys when he was a child much to Gladys distress. I think he just liked giving. And when he became wealthy the gift giving was easier for him to do.

[WHITETIGERMAN]

I heard as a child he would give away his toys also.I think he was just a loving and giving person. Also I think it was a way he also got some happiness outside of performing himself. It made him happy to see the look on peoples faces when he gave them things.

[dstrattenfan]

He was so much like my grandpa in this respect...If u would say u liked something that my Papaw had he would give it to u...He always bought us shoes because he said he walked without them..He said he never wanted us to do without like he did...and I think thats is why Elvis gave so much....He remembered what it was like to have nothing, My papaw loved to give and I could never understand why till I had a baby of my own!!!! I never want her or anyone she loves to be without so I guess maybe thats why he gave so much?:'(

But then u have my mom who did without less than what her children did and she is as stingy as Scrooge like Vernon...So I sometimes dont understand what makes one do what another won't(n)

[SleepyJack]

I don`t think Elvis was ever entirely comfortable with being wealthy and that played a part in his generosity, apart from that I think he knew and appreciated the good feeling that a gift can bring to a person...I think many,if not most,of the gifts he gave to people gave him as much pleasure as it did to the person recieving it.....he loved the look on people`s faces and the happy surprise of it. I also think that growing up poor he understood how over-rated wealth really is,and how unimportant it is when compared to the value of the love of friends and family....at the end of the day he was just one of the good guys.

[dstrattenfan]

I don`t think Elvis was ever entirely comfortable with being wealthy and that played a part in his generosity, apart from that I think he knew and appreciated the good feeling that a gift can bring to a person...I think many,if not most,of the gifts he gave to people gave him as much pleasure as it did to the person recieving it.....he loved the look on people`s faces and the happy surprise of it. I also think that growing up poor he understood how over-rated wealth really is,and how unimportant it is when compared to the value of the love of friends and family....at the end of the day he was just one of the good guys.

Well said SleepyJack well said(y)(y)

[presley31]

I don`t think Elvis was ever entirely comfortable with being wealthy and that played a part in his generosity, apart from that I think he knew and appreciated the good feeling that a gift can bring to a person...I think many,if not most,of the gifts he gave to people gave him as much pleasure as it did to the person recieving it.....he loved the look on people`s faces and the happy surprise of it. I also think that growing up poor he understood how over-rated wealth really is,and how unimportant it is when compared to the value of the love of friends and family....at the end of the day he was just one of the good guys.

Great post jack and agreed too.