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> This [billionaire] class has no idea what to do with its wealth, much less the power that results from it. It can only withdraw and extract, socially and econ
by spyckie2 7y ago
> This [billionaire] class has no idea what to do with its wealth, much less the power that results from it. It can only withdraw and extract, socially and economically, while the political justifications for its existence melt away.
Would love to hear his perspective on Bill Gates.
It's very interesting to think about this because most people pursue wealth for this very reason - to be freed from constraints of responsibility and to do whatever they want.
However, it seems to be the opposite once you get too much wealth - you all of a sudden become (due to the closed economic and political system) extremely publically responsible.
This is also the first generation of such public billionaires in an era where everyone with power has their lives projected on a live screen for people to see.
- Discombulator 7y agoBill Gates is in my view deserving of every praise for his civic engagement, as well as a few others (e.g., those who have agreed to the pledge to give away much of their wealth). But I don’t think this is common. Just from the public statements of many billionaires, it seems that many do not think they have any civic obbligation at all.
- spyckie2 7y agoIt's why I'm curious to see his opinions on this matter. The author pointed out the problem but didn't say much about the solution. I was wondering if his discourse on those who aren't the problem would yield insights.