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by Gustomaximus 3259 days ago
I dont know why this is being down-voted. While what she did is great, it is a true point in terms of personal sacrifice.

I saw an interview with Bill Gates where he said much the same thing to a comment about his generosity. He pointed out he doesn't sacrifice a single item/experience he wants in life giving away what he does. And a ordinary person that gives a few hundred gives up more than him in terms of what it costs them.

Its a valid point as long as it doesn't take away from the fact the other is also generous.

3 comments

As someone who used to give away hundreds when he was on the average wage, no, it didn't really cost me life experiences. When I was on less than the average wage, I never had hundreds to give away, but on the average wage (with no kids), a few hundred didn't make much difference.

Few people giving to charity actually sacrifice their own life experiences to do so. As a result, it seems silly to dismiss philanthropic billionaires. We want more of those, not fewer.

True, but how many humans are able to take that perspective? If history has taught me anything, it's that our desires don't end when they are satisfied.
Y'know Bill Gates' current charity, and anti-malaria work, do make me forgive him for his anti-competitive behaviour in th 90s/00s.

How the world changes, eh?

Me too, almost as if acquiring all that wealth, primarily from corporations then redistribution was not something that was pre-considered, surely he is not that smart ;)