This was a a really interesting article, Brenna. In particular, I liked reading about how the wealthy women from the sports and film industries are making such a difference with their money. I'm sure that other women are doing something similar, but I rarely hear about it.
This was such an interesting philosophical read! I’ve asked myself some of the questions you pose here several times, especially the ones about the real drives of the ultra-rich, considering they’ve long surpassed the self-realization peak of Maslow’s pyramid. I have a hunch that it has to do with some kind of pathological greed and an addiction to chasing the next thing. I also really liked that you question whether their explorations could be considered 'art'—I had never drawn that comparison before! I'll definitely give it some thought. Wonderful article overall!
Thanks for reading Caterina! A friend said that during the Renaissance commissioning artwork was a way to "guarantee" a place in heaven. I am going to update the article once I research a bit more!
A couple of counter examples: Warren Buffet and Bill Gates have pooled much of their wealth into the Gates Foundation focused on relieving the disease burden in third world countries, to great effect. I think some donors are truly altruistic, such as those who support medical research and care delivery, driven by personal experience of loss. But the fact that medicine is so dependent on charity for funding is a problem in itself. And perhaps the Medici's were truly enlightened, driving change out of the dark ages - we may never know. I am sure status was a factor, but as you point out, Brenna, there are tons of examples of the uber rich who do not support anything but themselves. I think the wealth gap will lead to one inevitable outcome - some kind of revolution or reckoning. It is sad if things need to get that bad, but I fear it will.
Love that! I thought about mentioning the Giving Pledge (https://givingpledge.org/) as I think it's a great concept, but I wanted to focus more on what people are doing now, as individuals, while they are still alive, to support the arts, and not just donating to charity.
Obviously, donating to charity is very noble and needed. Nobody needs that much money. But if you are truly that rich, you have probably mastered something (eg/ Warren Buffet). Wouldn't it be interesting if we learned that Warren Buffet got really into crochet and started collecting crochet art? Why aren't rich people today more well-rounded?
I remember going to a mansion in Rhode Island owned by Doris Duke. She inherited so much money and was so intellectual. She hosted parties, played music, went swimming year-round in the ocean, etc. She ended up giving all of her money away to charity but she had a good time while she was alive!
Obligatory ‘eat the rich’ sentiment from me here; obscenely rich people could do so much good (and capital G good at that) and yet… and yet. I guess the bottom of the ocean, another planet, and governments are where their imaginations’ limits are at.
Those are some pretty mind-blowing statistics Brenna! Thank you for sharing.
This was a a really interesting article, Brenna. In particular, I liked reading about how the wealthy women from the sports and film industries are making such a difference with their money. I'm sure that other women are doing something similar, but I rarely hear about it.
I know! I always tuck these inspiring stories away in my brain and I'm glad I found an opportunity to share them. Thanks for reading!
This was such an interesting philosophical read! I’ve asked myself some of the questions you pose here several times, especially the ones about the real drives of the ultra-rich, considering they’ve long surpassed the self-realization peak of Maslow’s pyramid. I have a hunch that it has to do with some kind of pathological greed and an addiction to chasing the next thing. I also really liked that you question whether their explorations could be considered 'art'—I had never drawn that comparison before! I'll definitely give it some thought. Wonderful article overall!
Thanks for reading Caterina! A friend said that during the Renaissance commissioning artwork was a way to "guarantee" a place in heaven. I am going to update the article once I research a bit more!
A couple of counter examples: Warren Buffet and Bill Gates have pooled much of their wealth into the Gates Foundation focused on relieving the disease burden in third world countries, to great effect. I think some donors are truly altruistic, such as those who support medical research and care delivery, driven by personal experience of loss. But the fact that medicine is so dependent on charity for funding is a problem in itself. And perhaps the Medici's were truly enlightened, driving change out of the dark ages - we may never know. I am sure status was a factor, but as you point out, Brenna, there are tons of examples of the uber rich who do not support anything but themselves. I think the wealth gap will lead to one inevitable outcome - some kind of revolution or reckoning. It is sad if things need to get that bad, but I fear it will.
Love that! I thought about mentioning the Giving Pledge (https://givingpledge.org/) as I think it's a great concept, but I wanted to focus more on what people are doing now, as individuals, while they are still alive, to support the arts, and not just donating to charity.
Obviously, donating to charity is very noble and needed. Nobody needs that much money. But if you are truly that rich, you have probably mastered something (eg/ Warren Buffet). Wouldn't it be interesting if we learned that Warren Buffet got really into crochet and started collecting crochet art? Why aren't rich people today more well-rounded?
I remember going to a mansion in Rhode Island owned by Doris Duke. She inherited so much money and was so intellectual. She hosted parties, played music, went swimming year-round in the ocean, etc. She ended up giving all of her money away to charity but she had a good time while she was alive!
Obligatory ‘eat the rich’ sentiment from me here; obscenely rich people could do so much good (and capital G good at that) and yet… and yet. I guess the bottom of the ocean, another planet, and governments are where their imaginations’ limits are at.
It's so disheartening.
“and built escape rooms” - Ooh, fun!
“…knowing that he would be targeted for kidnapping due to his wealth” - Oh, I have greatly misunderstood 😂
Yes haha maybe I could have re-written that to be more clear. He wanted the escape rooms because he was paranoid someone would kidnap him.