So you don't think it has anything to do with greed? Not even for some? Having more than those around you, "achieving higher status" if you prefer, appears to m

So you don't think it has anything to do with greed? Not even for some? Having more than those around you, "achieving higher status" if you prefer, appears to motivate a shedload of richer people. "But that implies that work is punishment, a thing you have to do to enjoy the other things in life." And you assume that if you work it has to be for remuneration. It's possible to work for free in very many beneficial ways. A lot of charities would welcome a highly skilled financier, say, or a world beating programmer who wanted to donate their time. One could also as CEO choose to take the same wage as the cleaner (minimum wage probably). "Rich people keep working because they know they make a difference." What, all of them? How about the banking leaders that just destroyed half the worlds major economies between them. They seem still to be "working" and receiving 8 figure bonuses in some cases. "Knowing that you make a difference trumps almost everything -- because it gives your life meaning." You sound like a motivational speaker. What difference precisely? Making people happier, more content, healthier, more fulfilled? Any westerner on greater than average pay in their country could choose to make even more of a difference and live comfortably whilst donating all their above-average income to others in need. If it's all about making a difference then why don't the rich choose to be less rich and make more difference. Your analysis doesn't add up IMO. Edit:typo.