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People here are showing a lot of dislike for the third category, those who want to make money. I think that's because of how the author describes them, not how

People here are showing a lot of dislike for the third category, those who want to make money. I think that's because of how the author describes them, not how they actually are. People who want to make money for money's sake love building things. They can't stand to sit still. They understand long-term relationships, and the smart ones learn that trust and inspiring leaders within your own and other organizations is the only way to keep building. They love competing, and they love winning. But that doesn't mean they lack integrity, or think lying or cheating is the way to win. They understand that at best that gets you a win in the very short run. They are the tinkerers of capitalism. And that's why they don't fail you once they can afford a Porsche, why they don't constantly try to impress people because of their insecurities, and why they don't stop thinking about improving their business once they "have enough". Not everyone is like that, but that's not a reason to disrespect those who are.

wynand 17y ago
That's an interesting take. At least in the case of Buffett, I think he really likes what he does (I mean, the man still lives in a normal family house). To me there is a distinction between people who want to make more money and people who want to build things. The former is in it for power, whilst the latter is in it for recognition. I realize how simplistic that sounds. But many of our current problems came about because people don't care about what's behind the money. We need less indirection in the financial world. If I invest in something, I should give some kind of damn about it.
JohnnyBrown 17y ago
"I'm reasonably happy, but the money's not the point. It's an indication that I've succeeded in the grand adventure of understanding reality." -George Soros The way I look at it, making money is a great competition because it has the largest and most talented pool of competitors you will ever find. You get to measure yourself against the world, give or take a few people.

wynand 17y ago

That's an interesting take. At least in the case of Buffett, I think he really likes what he does (I mean, the man still lives in a normal family house). To me there is a distinction between people who want to make more money and people who want to build things. The former is in it for power, whilst the latter is in it for recognition. I realize how simplistic that sounds. But many of our current problems came about because people don't care about what's behind the money. We need less indirection in the financial world. If I invest in something, I should give some kind of damn about it.

JohnnyBrown 17y ago

"I'm reasonably happy, but the money's not the point. It's an indication that I've succeeded in the grand adventure of understanding reality." -George Soros The way I look at it, making money is a great competition because it has the largest and most talented pool of competitors you will ever find. You get to measure yourself against the world, give or take a few people.