>Hot take: philanthropy is a tax avoidance scheme, even if it is helpful to the world. Billionaires and millionaires improve their image by getting to choose wh

>Hot take: philanthropy is a tax avoidance scheme, even if it is helpful to the world. Billionaires and millionaires improve their image by getting to choose where their wealth goes, instead of being required to surrender wealth and have it be used the way that the people want through representative government. >In reality, you don’t become a billionaire without being ruthless, cut-throat, and a very big asshole. Very much agree. It's so strange that so many people around the world try and align themselves with billionaires to some degree or another. In some cases, they'll even defend them tooth and nail when met with any critique (like Elon Musk's harem of fanboys). Idolizing billionaires or trying to align with them makes no sense because there isn't a realistic chance that you'll ever see the level of success they did. Maybe it's fun to fantasize about or gives you something to work towards but there are much more interesting and worthwhile things you can do with your time than endlessly pursue wealth.