Living Simply

When visiting the Sioux, I was led to the wigwam of the chief. It was like the others in external appearance, and even within the difference was trifling between it and those of the poorest of his braves. The contrast between the palace of the millionaire and the cottage of the laborer with us to-day measures the change which has come with civilization. -- Andre Carnegie, The Gospel of Wealth

Likewise, with the upper middle class, the signs of material change such as luxury cars and mansions only demonstrate wealth but not always a corresponding richness of life.

For a person of rising status as measured by his wealth should deserve to have a bigger house, many servants, and a larger car. Yet if he is still vain, egoistical, and self-centered, then how rich is his life?

Such obvious signs of wealth do not always guarantee a corresponding richness of life. Indeed, sometimes they only serve as status symbols.

While I do not want to urge the wealthy to give up their symbols of wealth such as their homes and their cars, I do want them to realize that great men and women do not have to flaunt their wealth openly in order to enrich their lives.

Thus, it is with great pleasure that I see that Bill Gates has joined forced with Warren Buffett to create an empire of charity.