Contrary to popular belief, an excessive income brings with it dissatisfaction, not pleasure.

Epicurus told us that a wise man aims to make enough money to live peaceably, with a full stomach and with minimal stress.  Things of the mind are more important than the bank balance.

Think of those bankers and CEOs who pocket millions a year.  They cannot possibly spend it all.  Instead they have to find somewhere to stash it.  That’s hard enough to do once they have 3 homes on three Continents and a yacht with a crew of six.  But when they’ve “invested” it they are constantly worrying about its security, the return on investment, is someone robbing them?  Once the money is out of sight you have to be concerned about the Madoffs of this world, of governments coming after your illegal fortune in some Caribbean offshore account, of fraudsters and criminal gangs.

People are always talking in the US  about trickle down and the importance of investment by the super-rich, if only we could give them  a better tax break.  Excuse me, but the super-rich don’t care any more about the US and Europe, tax break or no.  They are investing in China, India and Brazil.  And thereby hangs a tale.  Because you might make a bomb in India, but it’s just as likely that someone makes off with your cash.   The Indian stock market is like a big dipper at a funfair.  The stress!

Rich people never have enough money.  There is always someone richer than you.  “You cannot be too rich or too thin.”  Remember?  And then you look at the children of these multimillionaires, spoiled, unmotivated and chased for friendship and sex because of their money.  None of these youngsters or their parents can be truly sure who are friends and who are on the make. Epicurus was right – these people end up bitterly unhappy.

Convinced?