16 Tycoons Agree to Give Away Fortunes

December 9 Wall Street Journal - 16 Tycoons Agree to Give Away Fortunes http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703493504576007982500939482.html?mod=WSJ_hp_mostpop_read

I think this is very, very cool. I hope this spreads. This is the way things are supposed to work. But I feel very guilty and small right now. I don't think I'm as happy and appreciative as I should be. I'm still an insignificant nobody - while the rich and famous are at the center of things - like they always are. It's probably too late for me to become rich and famous - but this internet warrior bit - and trying to be innovative and profound - really seems to be a lost cause. It seems that if you are rich and famous - people hang on your every word - whether you are innovative and profound, or not. Money talks and BS walks - right?

I am so doubtful about the real purpose when I hear such news, especially that Bill gates name was mentioned there.

I'm doubtfoul too Burgundia, best regards, Monique.

Thank-you Burgundia and monique. Call it sour-grapes or whatever, but I sometimes wonder how a lot of wealth is really generated. I'm a paranoid and suspicious type of person - and I keep thinking about human/et deal-making and such - in connection with politics, religion, technology, and business. But still - I view this latest development as extremely positive. I wish I could make lots of money - and give away 90% of it - and still keep the Ferrari and the beach-house! Go Bill Gates and Warren Buffett!

The following is a concept derived from the principles and concepts contained in the Teachings of Jesus, but not stated directly. It is simply something I have found to be helpful regarding the ethical pursuit and use of money. I call it the 50-50 rule, derived from 'love your neighbor as yourself' and 'do unto others as you would have others do unto you.' Basically, one makes as much money as possible in the most ethical way possible, and then sets aside 50 percent of the gain for taxes and charity. Then, with the remaining 50 percent, they live a comfortable, though not ostentatious life style, and use a significant portion of this 50 percent to make even more money! Then, this additional profit again becomes subject to the same rule. Finally, when one dies, the estate is divided, with 50 percent going to taxes and charity, and 50 percent to relatives, etc. We should avoid rich versus poor class-warfare, jealousy and hatred, or feelings of superiority! We all have a part to play in this vast mosaic of life. The poor should not neglect to learn how the rich make money, and the rich should not neglect the poor…regardless of the reasons for their poverty! It's my way of saying that one can have their cake and eat it too! Perhaps it is a rationalization…but I don't think so! I believe that God is reasonable, and that sincere attempts to do the right thing are received with joy in Heaven!