I used to paint all the rich with the same brush. When reading the Forbe's list and the astronomical numbers I would be at first amazed, then jealous and then t

I used to paint all the rich with the same brush. When reading the Forbe's list and the astronomical numbers I would be at first amazed, then jealous and then think of them as thief's and cheats. Although I still think that the wealthy have a vastly disproportionate influence over government and at times to the expense of the greater public and that many of the super rich would short the public to increase their bottom line, reading the letters written on http://givingpledge.org http://givingpledge.org has entirely reformulated my perception. I am now much more likely to give any rich person the benefit of the doubt and even perhaps view them slightly favourably rather than default to their status being illegitimate. I have been inspired and it is absolutely amazing to see what the captains of industry are doing with their wealth. There were many of them committing 90%, 99% of their wealth, even to die broke. Not only so but committing their time and experience too. Some of the most experienced and I would think of intelligence individuals dedicating themselves to such great causes as Socratic methods of teaching, many scholarships, medical research, clean water, libraries, homeless, social programmes for the young... I think is very inspiring and motivating to become rich. What is inspiring also is reading things such as Greek immigrant, orphanage, all our worth at the back of a Ford's car, an average American. There is much that can be improved with the working of democracy, but with people like these I have faith in that country and trust much to be good. I can now once more view them as role models. They are great people doing great things and I am inspired to become as great if not more.