I appreciated a note in Bill Gates’ blog post with his commitment to wind up the Gates Foundation and give away all his wealth by 2045.
One of the best things I read was an 1889 essay by Andrew Carnegie called The Gospel of Wealth. It makes the case that the wealthy have a responsibility to return their resources to society, a radical idea at the time that laid the groundwork for philanthropy as we know it today.
In the essay’s most famous line, Carnegie argues that “the man who dies thus rich dies disgraced.” I have spent a lot of time thinking about that quote lately. People will say a lot of things about me when I die, but I am determined that “he died rich” will not be one of them.
I appreciate the clarity of thought.
His foundation and his giving has been the subject of a lot of criticism because of the influence it has given him on global health. I’ve seen passionate arguments about how he’s doing it for tax purposes and how he’s just buying influence with his money.
I chuckle at these notes.
First, he was the richest person on the planet. I think he was pretty set on influence with that money and status. And if he wanted to avoid taxes, I’m sure there’d be entire organizations who’d help him.
Second, we can blame capitalism for his wealth. But his money is his money. He can choose what to do with it. And he’s chosen to focus on preventing the death of children… and do this.
What would you rather him do? Buy yachts?
Finally, this isn’t to say the man isn’t without his faults. Nobody is.
I just appreciate he chose to put his incredible wealth to use to attempt to make the world a better place.
I also appreciate that Warren Buffett followed his lead with over 40 billion dollars donated.
I hope we have more billionaires who choose to do this.
