Bill Gates takes rich to task

[Michael Perelman]

I am sure that it is not the whole story.  Some of Gates' philanthropy seems
to be well intentioned.  Rockefeller's philanthropy (all 3 generations) was
almost always strategically designed to further their economic interests.  Thy
Will Be Done is excellent in that respect.

Doug Henwood wrote:


> Michael Perelman wrote:
>
> >Rockefeller, like Gates, turn to philanthropy only after public antipathy
> >to seemed like it could have adverse consequences.
>
> I don't think that's the whole story. I think people who get stinking
> rich want to justify their lives somehow - to become significant
> beyond the world of moneymaking. They want social capital to match
> their economic capital. It flatters their egos, neutralizes any
> residual guilt they may suffer from, and they get to determine where
> they spend the money. They get to go to parties with interesting
> people. Artists surround them, baying for grants. They're feted as
> doers of good.
>
> Doug

--

Michael Perelman
Economics Department
California State University
michael at ecst.csuchico.edu
Chico, CA 95929
530-898-5321
fax 530-898-5901