The Allure Of Fabulous Wealth?

[Rick-o]

With all the recent financial turmoil gripping the nation (and world), it got me thinking just how much wealth is enough for most people.

The top 400 wealthiest Americans, according to the latest Forbes list:

http://www.forbes.com/lists/2008/54/400l..._Rank.html

Forget about being a millionaire...Everyone on the list has over 1B with our own Steve Jobs checking in at number 61 on the list with 5.7B. Henry Paulson, Sec. of Treasury is worth 700 million and didn't make the list, but he could burn through 14 million a year for the next 50 years and probably still have some cash left over.

Certainly, everyone on the list, as well as many who didn't make the list have far more wealth than they could possibly use in a 100 lifetimes, no matter how many homes, yachts, jewels, etc. one desires.

What is the attraction to this obscene wealth? Is it a power thing? I got more than you do, or what? What drives these people?

I have nothing against being wealthy, but it sure wouldn't take billions (or millions, even) to make me happy or secure. I think Paul Newman said it best about his philanthropic activity:

“This is not about celebrity, this is a political issue,” he said about giving through Newman’s Own. “The concept that a person who has a lot holds his hand out to someone who has less is still a human trait. I am confounded by the stinginess of some institutions and some people. You can only put away so much stuff in your closet. In 1987, the average CEO earned 70 times more than someone working in his factory. It’s now 410 times. I don’t think there’s anything odd about philanthropy. It’s the other stance that confounds me.”

Perhaps being a working class slob, I just can't comprehend the value of being that wealthy and wanting more - more - more.
Can anyone spell it out for me in "Rick-o the carpenter" terms?

[Seacrest]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iQNdi-fRExc

[rgG]

I think to many it is simply a way of keeping score. They may believe that if they have more money than the next guy, they win. What they win, well that is up for debate.

[decocritter]

I think sometimes there is no middle ground. Good ideas, hard work, and the right connections to make the business grow, as well as perfect timing, create such immense wealth.

The good formula just takes off. Feast or famine. Can't fault the rich for not wanting a ceiling on their wealth. Look at Gates, Oprah, Buffet, etc.

The greatest ideas and innovations have come from driven individuals, not governments that just throw out roadblocks and negative interference.

Many wealthy start huge foundations in the Arts, Education, and basic help for the poor. It is a good thing for America and the rest of the world. This money would not come from any where else.

[Wags]

Personally, I think bragging rights should be about how much you pay in taxes instead of how opulent a lifestyle you can afford. Its not true that innovation only comes from individuals. Our government, through our tax dollars, is by far the largest supporter of research, both basic and applied. The breakthroughs that result from our taxes invariably end up in the hands of large corporate entities who go on the make huge profits from them. Where's our cut? Shouldn't everyone should have the same access to education? How much potential will we waste by denying college to people with limited means? If you're saying that we should rely on the charity of the rich elite to fund the arts, education, and basic help for the poor I would say you need to familiarize yourself with all the great civilizations that have come before us and see what happened with that approach.

[decocritter]

Read my post again, and try not to read between the lines, because you are off.

I am not saying we need to rely only on the wealthy for charity. I am just pointing out that they have been the main contributors.

I am not talking about access to education, at all, or limitations to access.

Many wealthy people have no college education. The two do not always go hand in hand. Many with top education, cannot find their way out of a library.

It seems in this day and time (as opposed to mine) many have much easier access to education and funds to pay for it.