3 ms·

Most of the time people get rich by doing exactly what you want to do: help others. But is that true? You have a feeling it is; I have a feeling it's not. I do

Most of the time people get rich by doing exactly what you want to do: help others. But is that true? You have a feeling it is; I have a feeling it's not. I don't know if there's research on the (rather vague and hard-to-define) question, but that would be interesting to find out. I guess you aren't thinking of inherited wealth, which may be how most people actually get rich. Then there's the people who got rich from investing. Then the people who get rich from e.g. making weapons. Then.. (a dozen other categories omitted) I suspect it's rather small percentage left, but I'm guessing. Apologies if you aren't also.

goliatone 8y ago
“Help others”: this seems to be a side effect rather than a sought outcome and the first thing to be dropped as soon as the business can sacrifice it for a short term return.
- solarkraft 8y ago
  The great thing about capitalism/trade is/was that your benefit was directly linked to that of others giving you something in return. However it does seem very much like a lot of people are trying hard (and succeeding) to benefit more than others (those in power).
tucaz 8y ago
According to Business Insider 2016 list[1], of the 50 richest people in the world, only 13 inherited their money. Even amongst those people, most of them have managed to keep or grow their fortune by advancing their companies. This is by no means an extensive list or even research, but I believe this pattern repeats itself no matter how you slice the data. Also, I believe that the logical reasoning behind this idea is solid: in capitalism the only way to succeed is to either help others (by producing something they want) or to commit a crime (bribery, stealing, etc) which should, of course, be avoided and prosecuted. 1 - https://www.businessinsider.com/50-richest-people-on-earth-2016-1 https://www.businessinsider.com/50-richest-people-on-earth-2...
- yesenadam 8y ago
  Thanks. I guess by "in capitalism the only way to succeed" you mean, make a lot of money. The main way I hear of people doing this is the CEOs getting tens of millions for doing I'm not sure what. Even for getting fired or doing nothing but harm they make that much sometimes, or often. I'm not sure what you mean "the logical reasoning behind this idea is solid". I guess you meant "In theory, under capitalism..", but the reality is very different.

goliatone 8y ago

“Help others”: this seems to be a side effect rather than a sought outcome and the first thing to be dropped as soon as the business can sacrifice it for a short term return.

solarkraft 8y ago
The great thing about capitalism/trade is/was that your benefit was directly linked to that of others giving you something in return. However it does seem very much like a lot of people are trying hard (and succeeding) to benefit more than others (those in power).

tucaz 8y ago

According to Business Insider 2016 list[1], of the 50 richest people in the world, only 13 inherited their money. Even amongst those people, most of them have managed to keep or grow their fortune by advancing their companies. This is by no means an extensive list or even research, but I believe this pattern repeats itself no matter how you slice the data. Also, I believe that the logical reasoning behind this idea is solid: in capitalism the only way to succeed is to either help others (by producing something they want) or to commit a crime (bribery, stealing, etc) which should, of course, be avoided and prosecuted. 1 - https://www.businessinsider.com/50-richest-people-on-earth-2016-1 https://www.businessinsider.com/50-richest-people-on-earth-2...

yesenadam 8y ago
Thanks. I guess by "in capitalism the only way to succeed" you mean, make a lot of money. The main way I hear of people doing this is the CEOs getting tens of millions for doing I'm not sure what. Even for getting fired or doing nothing but harm they make that much sometimes, or often. I'm not sure what you mean "the logical reasoning behind this idea is solid". I guess you meant "In theory, under capitalism..", but the reality is very different.