The Next Big Thing (tNBT)

I read a few books on well-known billionaires, not that I aspire to be one but what makes them tick. Some examples are Bill Gates, Elon Musk, Warren Buffet, the Oppenheimers, Bizos, etc. There are varied perceptions which includes many conspiracies as well as a dislike of the rich, negative leftist, socialist and religious views.

I was talking to my Physics students for a few minutes on what they think these billionaires motives are. Is it to make more money? The statement I can make is that they have more money than they can spend in their lifetimes. What will they do with more?

They want to take over the world (Pinky and the Brain). Well, maybe but I don't think they want the crap of running countries. That they'd leave to politicians and dictators.

They want to exploit the world, leaving the rest of the population on earth in poverty. Well, that will suck as these billionaires need people to make money for them or to realize their goals. Seeing people suffering, no matter who your are, is not a human thing. We care even if we are bad human beings.

They want power. Most probably. Power for what? Control? Brag? It can be. They thrive on it. This is a possibility.

But I think there is another reason. A bigger one. Can I push back the boundaries? Push the envelope? How far can I go? What are my limitations? WHAT IS THE NEXT BEST THING. What is the next problem to solve?

Elon Musk - Going to Mars among other things

Bill Gates - Disease and Nuclear energy among other things

Warren Buffet - Alleviating poverty, mitigating, conflicts and solving issues around public safety

What about Patrice Motsepe? Education, sport, music etc.

I'm not saying that these people are righteous, correct and always benevolent in what they do. I'm arguing about what some people tend to miss. What is the next problem to solve? What is the next big thing? How can we push back the boundaries of X,Y,Z?

A book I read yarns ago, was touted in Christian circles as one of THE books to read. The Prayer of Jabez by Bruce Wilkinson. The book centred around Chronicles 4: 9-10. Jabez is only mentioned this once in the Bible. It speaks about righteousness and extending his boundaries, which God did. Yet, Christians forget that.

I believe that the aim on many of those super rich are to solve the big problems of life. They may not be doing it the right way or what you think, your way. However, I think that this is their major motivation which gives them the greatest thrills.

A next concept to think about is: To those who much is given, much is expected (as I've checked now online Luke 12:48). Sorry my atheist friends, you might no like this but as I've learnt from various other sources, this one is true.

Like

Comment

Share