In the Mind of the Almighty
Thoughts and speculations on “The Wealthiests’ Final Goal”
This article is the second of a trilogy. The introductory part can be found here.
The first entry purpose was solely aimed to delineate my dilemma, in the hope that some other soul has ever faced similar questioning, that I herewith restate:
“What Is The Wealthiests’ Ultimate Goal to Be Achieved In A Mere Human Lifespan?”
While waiting for the replies of the collective-almighty entity (aka Internet) on Quora, I will attempt to define a few classes of omnipotency, perhaps obvious ones for some, but oftentimes overlooked.
Once acknowledged that no power nor wealth are an issue for this extremely limited minority, it is lecit to wonder what might be possibly done with such potential. After a 'comprehensive' analysis I managed to outline three main behavioral trends followed by these privileged people.
1. The Patron
Moved by an unquenchable urge to donate, likely originated from the mindfulness of his/her unrivalled luck.
The philantropist necessity may derive from a "with great power comes great responsibility" condition, in a world where growing inequalities are hard to be ignored. The increasingly connected population is supposedly more and more aware of humanity's main issues and controversies. Thus, the majority of the people with such influence cannot grant themselves the luxury of negligence anymore.
A noteworthy example pertaining to this first group is, unsurprisingly, Bill Gates and the numerous deeds achieved thanks to the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. Arguably a remarkable human being, but he surely does not forego a few amenities. Fair enough.
2. The Visionary
Driven by the desire to realize monumental, forward-looking ideas; certain that they will make history.
A blurred but ambitious idea (or ideas) in the Visionary's infancy became progressively clearer to eventually culminate into obsession. This latter fixation turns out to be potentially beneficial for the whole humanity, as much as for the creator. This circumstance may appear to describe a win-win for both parties, nonetheless the whole project could just be hiding a latent vainglory, or worse.
Elon Musk is a suitable example for the category. The narcissist entrepreneur, inventor and more, is certain that even improbable projects may soon become reality —while some other may not. Nonetheless, between all of this frenzy might even lie a strictly personal dream, such as aiming for the sky, and beyond. A legitimate one, in this case.
3. The Egotistical
Pushed by megalomaniacal attitudes, not necessarily justified ones; likely the hardest subject to depict.
This may be the more suitable group to be questioned about their purely selfish goals. Since there is a finite amount of gold, diamonds and similar shiny materials to adorn whatever possession they may boast, they might get bored. I will refrain from giving a unique example for this category, but some sultan, sheik, Asian political party chief or tycoon should give a few hints of the category likings and the purchase potential.
While fantasying about what can be done and achieved in such an advantaged position we, the 'commoners', are just left wandering with our minds comforted by the (perhaps delusional) fact that true happiness may lie somewhere else, at least once reached a specific threshold.
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I am aware that ambition (2) and self-centeredness (3) can eventually collide and reside in a single subject, but at least a relevant distinction between them exists, and it is stark. The Visionary conceives the situation —and mostly care about humanity— as 1+; him/herself AND the rest of the world longing for help, his/her help; the added value. The final goal is mutual. On the other hand, the Egotistical depiction can be 1×, intended as multiplying indefinitely his/her own possessions, with no foreseeable plan to share in any way, if not for speculative investment. Since we assigned a (strictly non-mathematical) function to two categories I can also attempt to visualise the Patron as 1-, where every charity act is potentially subtracted from the outstanding wealth and assets.
My partially ironical triad discussed so far could be found lacking when compared with more convoluted theories such as the New World Order, to name a prominent one. Nonetheless, several conspiracy theories 'simplify' the overall matter with a good/evil dichotomy, minimising or even ignoring the countless nuances inherent in human nature, regarded by some as ancestral and immutable.
As for now, to not invalidate the very purpose of this article and of my quest, allow me to disagree with this supposed permanent stillness.
I've been researching on the matter during the past few days, and I will keep doing it in order to write a last recapitulatory article, combining some enlightened netizens' opinions and thoughts from Quora or similar platforms. Possibly, we will be able to provide a less black-or-white insight than some botched conspiratorialist counterpart.
