At what point does the drive to wealth cease to be about personal freedom and become a desire to exert power?

Question

...over other people?

When you have so much money you couldn't possibly spend it on luxuries.

Answer 1

Well some people just want to exert power over other people, even if they don't get more money. I also think you'd be surprised at the amount of excessive luxury goods that are available in the world (e.g., platinum diamond dog collar, 20 million dollar house, etc.) that cater to the super-rich, and so you may just have endless things to spend your wealth.

I also think that if you think wealth is necessary for personal freedom, you will never achieve "enough" wealth. You can always establish personal freedom, as long as you make enough money to feed and clothe yourself.

Answer 2

Yes, I think you are right. I reckon with the most determined people, it was always about power. Creating wealth becomes an end in itself.

That, however, is to personalise it. The good thing is, whatever their personal motives, entrepreneurs, have to satisfy the market with their goods or services, before they can get rich. And that ain't easy. There are a lot more failures out there than successes.

As far as ordinary people are concerned, I do think that they have to be concerned about chasing wealth for its own sake, because you can miss out on so many other aspects of life, friends, family etc. Oh! and you can't take it with you.

Answer 3

When the dividends of your investments, without working, provide all your needs and a fair amount of luxuries and you still want more. More that you need to survive, to be comfortable, and to ensure the security of your family. Once you are secure in your life, you ought to focus on giving back, be it through art, invention, education or what ever; anything other than just hording more wealth.

Answer 4

if you think of the gaining of wealth as a way to "keep score"then the buying power is irrelevant.As for the desire to control other people,most wealthy individuals who have earned their money are very driven to excel at whatever they do;they have chosen to excel at something that pays well.Most will also be the best at digging ditches,hauling trash or any other endeavor they may chose to participate in.

Answer 5

The point when a person realizes he has wealth and with it comes power.

Answer 6

its a matter of each person, some want more wealth no matter what, or some want the power becuase they have all the money they want already, its all about each person, teehee

Answer 7

I think its another form of addiction like alcoholism and drug addiction.Power is control. Control is a central theme in the addicted mind