the fact of the rich being well off doesn't necessarily hurt the non-rich That's debatable. Human beings have a pretty significant natural tendency to look at

the fact of the rich being well off doesn't necessarily hurt the non-rich That's debatable. Human beings have a pretty significant natural tendency to look at the relative well-being rather than their absolute well-being. It makes sense, given that for any social animal, relative well-being aka ranking in the group hierarchy, is essential. Some people are more affected by this and other less, but even all else equal, increased inequality can reduce people's quality of life. Add to that the effect of mass media which allows an easy comparison to some of the most wealthy and powerful people in society, and you have a recipe for widespread unhappiness.