Let's see what other colleagues think about the subject.
I think you have already said something very meaningful that there is now a "generational change" and that is the fact. Back then most wealthy people invested in production/manufacturing mostly and invested in gold which was part of how to access wealth. More remotely, they invested in slaves, became feudal lords. You can easily ascribe wealth or feared someone if they came from royal family. But things have really changed and probably books like rich dad poor dad by Robert kiyosaki is no longer part of modern day reality.
The truth is in certain countries, coming from a royal family is fast fading away because the youth now have better opportunity to ascribe to whatever status they want in life, courtesy
internet. The internet is the "straw that broke the camel's back". Anyone has the opportunity to become rich and wealthy now without physically producing anything.
Well, whether the internet resources is an unfortunate incident that isn't contributing physically to the economy but it gives the society a new phase of life, happiness and joy while government also generate tax from them, the skit makers, comedians etc. And they are now swimming in wealth. We are now in the era of talent explosion to richness.
Things have changed and change they say is constant. In current past some wealthy people hardly invest in bitcoin but they don't have choice now. So even with bitcoin investment, social status and richness can be uplifted.
And regards to showing off or displaying wealth, that is relative. That depends on personality involved. But again, the secrecy or hidding status is now played down. Many rich people are now living their lives to the fullest. Probably, the reality of short life expectancy is now staring everyone in the face because of the so many troubles, bad health and diseases around. People now want to enjoy their money at least while they are still alive.