Are the "smartest" people the rich ones?

[Jiddy78]

Go.

[LSU]

Go.


Yes and no. Depends on what you say "smart" is. And then it depends on what you mean by "rich"? How much income?

I know some smart people that make around 80-100k...and to me, that's enough...but is it "rich" or just doing well?

Is common sense "intelligence"? Street smarts? Does "smart" depend on education or is it just a sense of how to work things (i.e., manipulate)?

That's a big question.

[MTVike]

Go.

Paris Hilton.

Anna Nicole Smith.

Justin Timberlake.

Tom Cruise.

[BoredWithNoSB]

I know some smart people that make around 80-100k...and to me, that's enough...but is it "rich" or just doing well?


I'm in that salary range and it is by no means rich. If I didn't live in such a low cost of living place, I'd feel snuggly middle class.

I'm bored. So, I propose the following formula for annual earnings in 2007 dollars.

The formula is something like:

[40000*(1+ (((age-18)*4)/100))]*
[(.3*natural intellect)+(.15*education)+(.3*work ethic)+(.1*lack of morals)+(.15*dumb luck)].

I think I nailed all the parens in there.

somebody scoring average on all attriubutes should end up at 40K out of college and 60K at age 30. I probably score way higher on the education and intellect side of the scale, lower on the dumb luck and work ethic. Paris would score off the charts in dumb luck and lack of morals helping her score higher.

[Jiddy78]

I'm in that salary range and it is by no means rich. If I didn't live in such a low cost of living place, I'd feel snuggly middle class.

I'm bored. So, I propose the following formula for annual earnings in 2007 dollars.

The formula is something like:

[40000*(1+ (((age-18)*4)/100))]*
[(.3*natural intellect)+(.15*education)+(.3*work ethic)+(.1*lack of morals)+(.15*dumb luck)].

I think I nailed all the parens in there.

somebody scoring average on all attriubutes should end up at 40K out of college and 60K at age 30. I probably score way higher on the education and intellect side of the scale, lower on the dumb luck and work ethic. Paris would score off the charts in dumb luck and lack of morals helping her score higher.

I refuse any formula that uses age as a parameter....Output would by my foundation.

[Jiddy78]

Paris Hilton.

Anna Nicole Smith.

Justin Timberlake.

Tom Cruise.

4 people who are doing everything allowable by law that they want to do. Is that "dumb?"

[MTVike]

4 people who are doing everything allowable by law that they want to do. Is that "dumb?"

I didn't call them dumb.

I guess you just assumed I would.

[Jiddy78]

I didn't call them dumb.

I guess you just assumed I would.

I didn't say you called them dumb.

I guess you just assumed I would.

[Vegas]

The smartest people may not be the most motivated. Motivation and persistence are often enough.

[LSU]

The smartest people may not be the most motivated. Motivation and persistence are often enough.


Don't forget opportunity. Being in the right place at the right time surely has an impact. Now, some may be able to make their opportunities happen...I won't argue that.

[Vegas]

Don't forget opportunity. Being in the right place at the right time surely has an impact. Now, some may be able to make their opportunities happen...I won't argue that.

Opportunity can help, but it doesn't make up for hard work. One of my favorite expressions is: "The harder I work, the luckier I get."

[LSU]

Opportunity can help, but it doesn't make up for hard work. One of my favorite expressions is: "The harder I work, the luckier I get."


No, I didn't mean it that it takes the place of it...

Just that in addition to motivation and hard work, the opportunity to make the money is needed...sometimes hard work and motivation gets you a pat on the back as long as someone else is holding the next position up from you...and depending on how long said person has to retirement will depend on how fast you move up. Now, there's also the possibility to move to another company...but that's also an opportunity in that a job must open up or be created...


But I'm talking about work here...someone could take 10k and put it in some stock that skyrockets overnight and continues to do so for a year...then takes a million out...not necessarily hard work or motivation...perhaps some opportunity, but for the most part...good luck. I don't think that happens often, but...

[Vegas]

No, I didn't mean it that it takes the place of it...

Just that in addition to motivation and hard work, the opportunity to make the money is needed...sometimes hard work and motivation gets you a pat on the back as long as someone else is holding the next position up from you...and depending on how long said person has to retirement will depend on how fast you move up. Now, there's also the possibility to move to another company...but that's also an opportunity in that a job must open up or be created...


But I'm talking about work here...someone could take 10k and put it in some stock that skyrockets overnight and continues to do so for a year...then takes a million out...not necessarily hard work or motivation...perhaps some opportunity, but for the most part...good luck. I don't think that happens often, but...

Investing well takes more work than luck, too.

[MTVike]

If by "smart" you mean intelligence there's little doubt about it.

People with higher IQ's generally do better in school and more often obtain college degrees.

People with college degrees generally make more money over the course of their lifetimes than those that do not.

Hollywood types prove the exception to the rule: Rich, but not so bright by and large.

[IBC]

If by "smart" you mean intelligence there's little doubt about it.

People with higher IQ's generally do better in school and more often obtain college degrees.

People with college degrees generally make more money over the course of their lifetimes than those that do not.

Hollywood types prove the exception to the rule: Rich, but not so bright by and large.
And intellectuals. Hollywood types, academics, scientists. None are average Joes like our President.

[Jiddy78]

Investing well takes more work than luck, too.

Yes and no.

[Jiddy78]

If by "smart" you mean intelligence there's little doubt about it.

People with higher IQ's generally do better in school and more often obtain college degrees.

People with college degrees generally make more money over the course of their lifetimes than those that do not.

Hollywood types prove the exception to the rule: Rich, but not so bright by and large.

Got any stats on trends regarding these...comments...I've got eyes and ears that will anecdotally claim the contrary is looming.

[Vegas]

Yes and no.

How many people got rich through lucky investing?

[Jiddy78]

How many people got rich through lucky investing?

I don't know about "rich"...but I know that every single individual that purchased a home prior to 2001 is extremely more well off than his neighbor of equal work ethic, attitude and intelligence that did not. I wouldn't exactly call that "skill" based, would you?

[BoredWithNoSB]

I don't know about "rich"...but I know that every single individual that purchased a home prior to 2001 is extremely more well off than his neighbor of equal work ethic, attitude and intelligence that did not. I wouldn't exactly call that "skill" based, would you?

The formula is something like:

[40000*(1+ (((years of work experience)*4)/100))]*
[(.3*natural intellect)+(.15*education)+(.3*work ethic)+(.1*lack of morals)+(.15*dumb luck)+Inhereted wealth].

My revised hypothesis holds.

[Jiddy78]

The formula is something like:

[40000*(1+ (((years of work experience)*4)/100))]*
[(.3*natural intellect)+(.15*education)+(.3*work ethic)+(.1*lack of morals)+(.15*dumb luck)+Inhereted wealth].

My revised hypothesis holds.

I still don't buy an age foundation...

I also contend that the "lack of morals" factor is actually on a standard deviation curve...as to get "pseudo" wealth (Trump like) you must be a con man...but to really make it big (Bill Gates/Oil Tycoons), ya gotta have changed the world in some way...Of course, that way could be considered good or bad....Hmmm...

[MTVike]

This discussion reminds me of one of the professors I had who wanted to make sure no one overemphasized the importance of IQ in achievement.

He began by saying it was likely that the majority of M.D.s' had IQ that were superior or above.

Also that some had scores that fell into the above average. That a few may have scored in the average range overall.

And, that probably a very small percentage, but some, scored below the average range.

Makes you think.

[Jiddy78]

This discussion reminds me of one of the professors I had who wanted to make sure no one overemphasized the importance of IQ in achievement.

He began by saying it was likely that the majority of M.D.s' had IQ that were superior or above.

Also that some had scores that fell into the above average. That a few may have scored in the average range overall.

And, that probably a very small percentage, but some, scored below the average range.

Makes you think.

Who said my MD clients are making more than my contractor clients? They aren't....and they pay more tax to boot.

What about IQ again?

[Vegas]

I don't know about "rich"...but I know that every single individual that purchased a home prior to 2001 is extremely more well off than his neighbor of equal work ethic, attitude and intelligence that did not. I wouldn't exactly call that "skill" based, would you?

They made a decision to buy a home after saving for the down payment. They took a calculated risk and it worked out. There was work involved.

But as far as the timing thing, if you wait out the market cycles you'll come out ahead. It's been true for years, but I know you disagree.

[Vegas]

This discussion reminds me of one of the professors I had who wanted to make sure no one overemphasized the importance of IQ in achievement.

He began by saying it was likely that the majority of M.D.s' had IQ that were superior or above.

Also that some had scores that fell into the above average. That a few may have scored in the average range overall.

And, that probably a very small percentage, but some, scored below the average range.

Makes you think.

What do you call the guy who graduated last in his class from the world's worst medical school?











Doctor.

[Jiddy78]

They made a decision to buy a home after saving for the down payment. They took a calculated risk and it worked out. There was work involved.

But as far as the timing thing, if you wait out the market cycles you'll come out ahead. It's been true for years, but I know you disagree.

Down payment??? Man if only you could see what I see.


As for cycles, I've already stated it once but I'll go at it again...It's a silly proposition....It assumes that you end where you began...You don't. Every moment, every minute, every hour, every day and especially every "transaction" is a new beginning. Whether we are talking about a single person or of a large group of people.

[MTVike]

Who said my MD clients are making more than my contractor clients? They aren't....and they pay more tax to boot.

What about IQ again?


Damn, I'm lost. Are we on the Neg thread again?

[Vegas]

Down payment??? Man if only you could see what I see.


As for cycles, I've already stated it once but I'll go at it again...It's a silly proposition....It assumes that you end where you began...You don't. Every moment, every minute, every hour, every day and especially every "transaction" is a new beginning. Whether we are talking about a single person or of a large group of people.

Real estate rises and falls with changes in supply/demand. But the overall trend is higher prices over time. Do you deny that?

[pnkpanther]

yes and no..sometimes it's who you know, not what you know.

generally people earn the average salary of their 5 closest friends, and i know a few personal stories of people achieving higher success by rubbing elbows with wealtheir people..the old boys club if you well theory.

There are trust fund babies that are "rich" but generally to become you rich, you have to be smart, motivated, and IMO, ruthless

[Vegas]

yes and no..sometimes it's who you know, not what you know.

generally people earn the average salary of their 5 closest friends, and i know a few personal stories of people achieving higher success by rubbing elbows with wealtheir people..the old boys club if you well theory.

There are trust fund babies that are "rich" but generally to become you rich, you have to be smart, motivated, and IMO, ruthless

Ruthless? How do you get into the old boys club and act ruthlessly without getting kicked out of the old boys club?

[Jiddy78]

Real estate rises and falls with changes in supply/demand. But the overall trend is higher prices over time. Do you deny that?

Yes. COST of ownership was nominally increased through inflation up until about somewhere around 2001...Now, COST is through the roof. A higher dollar amount doesn't mean sh*t...How much WORK and EFFORT and STRUGGLE you put into that property is what is important....If you run the factor comparison in cost of "ownership" to "income" in 1956 to 2001, the difference is hardly a fraction of that 1956 comparison to 2007.

COST....Not DOLLARS...is what I'm worried about...You know REALity...Not bullsh*t.

Americans' fat asses are getting larger every year, but we live longer lives....Must be that fat is good, eh? ;)

[LSU]

I am living proof that the smartest people are not the rich ones.

[Jiddy78]

Damn, I'm lost. Are we on the Neg thread again?

Take it for what it is...Contractors are making a killing in my hood....Dwarfing what MD's are bringing in...AND taking more advantage of writeoffs.

[MTVike]

Take it for what it is...Contractors are making a killing in my hood....Dwarfing what MD's are bringing in...AND taking more advantage of writeoffs.


Excuse my ignorance, but how are contractors making a killing if housing properties are losing value in your "hood" and buildng is way down?

[pnkpanther]

Ruthless? How do you get into the old boys club and act ruthlessly without getting kicked out of the old boys club?


Yes ruthless....

[Vegas]

Yes ruthless....

I disagree. Ruthless people may be successful in a short term, but it never lasts.

[Vegas]

Excuse my ignorance, but how are contractors making a killing if housing properties are losing value in your "hood" and buildng is way down?

That's not ignorance. It's a great question.

[pnkpanther]

I disagree. Ruthless people may be successful in a short term, but it never lasts.

While bill gates maybe one of if not most charitable person in the world (and a democrat) Microsoft was ran ruthlessly.

The Walton family
warren buffet

i think it takes a narcistic/ruthless quality to be amongst the wealthy

[Vegas]

While bill gates maybe one of if not most charitable person in the world (and a democrat) Microsoft was ran ruthlessly.

The Walton family
warren buffet

i think it takes a narcistic/ruthless quality to be amongst the wealthy

Working hard and trying to increase your market share in a capitalist system makes one ruthless?

[Jiddy78]

Excuse my ignorance, but how are contractors making a killing if housing properties are losing value in your "hood" and buildng is way down?


Residential housing starts have slowed significantly. But prior orders are still being fulfilled, for example a good acquaintance of mine JUST had his home finished that he ordered in March 2004. Half the homes around him in his gated community are empty....That doesn't mean they don't keep building 'em...And the steam in commercial property is jaw dropping...which has little to do with my rants about whores upping the comps on people....Of course, the path will be the same, just a different timeline.

Have you read nothing? The banks are fronting the money for this shindig...Remember? Ripping off China...Or you don't read Negadelphian??? Sure, the entire kit and kaboodle will fall on its face, but in the meantime, it's party on hookers and booze baby!!! Sure these babylonians will blow their wad, unlike an MD may (but probably not...They get the babylonian itch just as bad as the rest of us)...but that does little to change the fact that they MADE their wad....on the backs of others.

[Jiddy78]

That's not ignorance. It's a great question.

I agree. But I'm sad he went "there" with the "ignorance" thing...so I will not give him any kudos...just the actual question shall I acknowledge.

[Jiddy78]

While bill gates maybe one of if not most charitable person in the world (and a democrat) Microsoft was ran ruthlessly.

The Walton family
warren buffet

i think it takes a narcistic/ruthless quality to be amongst the wealthy

I actually disagree here....I think the REAL wealth...Those that made changes in the world like Bill Gates scoff at these ponzi fools like Trump and Kyosaki.....Take a trip to palm beach once or twice and see what the locals on the island think of those doofs.

[Vegas]

While bill gates maybe one of if not most charitable person in the world (and a democrat) Microsoft was ran ruthlessly.

The Walton family
warren buffet

i think it takes a narcistic/ruthless quality to be amongst the wealthy

And I'm quite certain that Bill Gates has been a Republican ever since the Clinton justice department filed the lawsuits against Microsoft.

[MTVike]

Residential housing starts have slowed significantly. But prior orders are still being fulfilled, for example a good acquaintance of mine JUST had his home finished that he ordered in March 2004. Half the homes around him in his gated community are empty....That doesn't mean they don't keep building 'em...And the steam in commercial property is jaw dropping...which has little to do with my rants about whores upping the comps on people....Of course, the path will be the same, just a different timeline.

Have you read nothing? The banks are fronting the money for this shindig...Remember? Ripping off China...Or you don't read Negadelphian??? Sure, the entire kit and kaboodle will fall on its face, but in the meantime, it's party on hookers and booze baby!!! Sure these babylonians will blow their wad, unlike an MD may (but probably not...They get the babylonian itch just as bad as the rest of us)...but that does little to change the fact that they MADE their wad....on the backs of others.

"Babylonian itch"? That's funny right there.

I'll be the first to admit I don't know much about this topic, certainly not as much as you and others. I have been impressed with your predictions about the increase in foreclosures as that has transpired and seems to be big news these days. You point to subprime lending and other shady mortgage company practices.

I was having lunch with a friend the other day. He was talking about his daughter who lived in New Jersey. He mentioned that she was making six figures working for a mortgage/financial firm. She had made something like $41,000 in commissions in the last quarter. I asked about the state of mortgage lending affairs where she lived, and about how people were buying more RE than they could afford in many places across the country, that smaller mortgage companies were going broke, and wasn't the govt. looking more closely at lending practices. He grinned and said that his daughter would next be traveling the country teaching companies how to offer refinancing to their customers who could no longer afford their mortgage payments.

Aye yi yi.

Friends of ours who are more well-to-do and live in a newer community have told us that several neighbors up and down the street have been forced to leave/sell their homes...couldn't afford them.

[Jiddy78]

And I'm quite certain that Bill Gates has been a Republican ever since the Clinton justice department filed the lawsuits against Microsoft.

Capitalist....rooted from "capitalize" (to take advantage of)...I GOT MINE BABY!!!!

He just made the natural position change from "HEY...I NEED TO GET MINE" to "HEY....I GOT MINE...BACK THE F*CK UP OFF ME"

[Jiddy78]

Capitalist....rooted from "capitalize" (to take advantage of)...I GOT MINE BABY!!!!

He just made the natural position change from "HEY...I NEED TO GET MINE" to "HEY....I GOT MINE...BACK THE F*CK UP OFF ME"

I think I've found my new signature.

[Vegas]

Capitalist....rooted from "capitalize" (to take advantage of)...I GOT MINE BABY!!!!

He just made the natural position change from "HEY...I NEED TO GET MINE" to "HEY....I GOT MINE...BACK THE F*CK UP OFF ME"

Or you could say that he saw the amount of wasted money and effort required to deal with government regulators and saw the benefit of limited government.

[pnkpanther]

And I'm quite certain that Bill Gates has been a Republican ever since the Clinton justice department filed the lawsuits against Microsoft.

not to my knowledge, i believe he still considers himself a Dem, and i believe democratic party recieves a lot more then republican party from his political contributions (he donates to both)

[Jiddy78]

Or you could say that he saw the amount of wasted money and effort required to deal with government regulators and saw the benefit of limited government.


No no...That implies caring...Caring is a fallacy when it comes to money...A father will stand by his son all the way through a trial where he is on defense for murder...but if that sumb*tch hits him up for a couple bucks to make the bills...OHHHHHH SH*T.

[Jiddy78]

not to my knowledge, i believe he still considers himself a Dem, and i believe democratic party recieves a lot more then republican party from his political contributions (he donates to both)

So what's the one conclusion
I can bring this number to?

When you're good to Mamaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa
Maaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaama's good to yoooooouuuuuuuu!

[MTVike]

Capitalist....rooted from "capitalize" (to take advantage of)...I GOT MINE BABY!!!!

He just made the natural position change from "HEY...I NEED TO GET MINE" to "HEY....I GOT MINE...BACK THE F*CK UP OFF ME"

You know, you sound a little "pink" when you take stands like that.

Do you believe in free enterprise, or are people too inherently greedy to make the system work?

[Jiddy78]

You know, you sound a little "pink" when you take stands like that.

Do you believe in free enterprise, or are people too inherently greedy to make the system work?


Ahhhh yes....The inevitable "If you aren't a capitalist, you're a commie" suggestion...

Commies cheat just the same. Probably even have more f*cking avenues for deployment of their treachery. So there's no winning. Theoretically, assuming no deception and evil intent, I think socialism could be better at providing a good life to the most people, but realistically it is much less effective than a capitalist way. I've been backed into a "commie corner" more than once in a debate/argument...but I always retort the same way: I complain about assholes...If that makes me a commie, so be it....but last time I checked, complaining about assholes wasn't in the definition.


I consider myself a lockmyselfinaroomandstaythef*ckawayfrommeist.

[Jiddy78]

You know, you sound a little "pink" when you take stands like that.

Do you believe in free enterprise, or are people too inherently greedy to make the system work?

Oh, and to answer your question directly now that I've resolved my commie label fears, I don't believe in people, so essentially I can't really believe in any system.

I'll just pray to the big guy that the babylonians don't endanger my journey too bad while I travel the path.

[pnkpanther]

whats wrong with sounding like me?

[MTVike]

whats wrong with sounding like me?
Not YOU silly.

The kind of colors Marx played with.

[Jiddy78]

Not YOU silly.

The kind of colors Marx played with.


I think he got it...Pnky humor sometimes is off color....HA! "Off color"...Get it?

That was great.

[MTVike]

Oh, and to answer your question directly now that I've resolved my commie label fears, I don't believe in people, so essentially I can't really believe in any system.

I'll just pray to the big guy that the babylonians don't endanger my journey too bad while I travel the path.

Dang Bro, that's harsh.

Maybe if you weren't crunching money numbers all day you'd have a different outlook?

Too late to seek another line of work?

[Jiddy78]

Dang Bro, that's harsh.

Maybe if you weren't crunching money numbers all day you'd have a different outlook?

Too late to seek another line of work?

This is a good thread starter...I shall start it in the appropriate forum (or the best I can find).

[Vegas]

This is a good thread starter...I shall start it in the appropriate forum (or the best I can find).

If you were still an admin, you'd be able to make whatever forum you wanted.

[*NZ*]

Oh, and to answer your question directly now that I've resolved my commie label fears, I don't believe in people, so essentially I can't really believe in any system.

I'll just pray to the big guy that the babylonians don't endanger my journey too bad while I travel the path.

Do you believe in your wife?

[Jiddy78]

Do you believe in your wife?

Yes. Do you?

[*NZ*]

Yes. Do you?

I'm not married.

You said you don't believe in people, but your wife is a person. :confused:

[Jiddy78]

I'm not married.

You said you don't believe in people, but your wife is a person. :confused:

I believe in my wife to f*ck you over before she does me. That help?

[*NZ*]

Yes I see where you're coming from.

The day I lose my faith in people is the day my soul will expire.

[Jiddy78]

Yes I see where you're coming from.

The day I lose my faith in people is the day my soul will expire.


It was a painful realization. But my "goggles" are spent most of the time dealing with people regarding their finances....so my view may be skewed a bit....Of course, if one is "capable" of doing what I see through these "goggles" in one aspect of life, why should I consider them incapable in others???

[Jiddy78]

Yes I see where you're coming from.

The day I lose my faith in people is the day my soul will expire.


Furthermore, do you claim to have the power to "expire" a soul?

That's quite the interesting analogy.

[*NZ*]

Furthermore, do you claim to have the power to "expire" a soul?

That's quite the interesting analogy.

I guess what I was getting at is that my belief in people is such an intrinsic quality of my being that if it was to be lost, I would effectively be dead inside on an emotional and spiritual level, a walking zombie if you will.

[i_hate_righties]

Some of the most intelligent minds in this world have come to the realization that materialistic possessions and riches are not important and that helping others, fighting a cause, and defending theirs and others rights are really what matters.....And then someone comes along and assassinates them... so sad!

[Jiddy78]

I guess what I was getting at is that my belief in people is such an intrinsic quality of my being that if it was to be lost, I would effectively be dead inside on an emotional and spiritual level, a walking zombie if you will.

Being undead is kinda nifty. :p

I think we draw a different line...Not "believing" in people to make the correct moral decision hardly precludes me from "loving" them....For example, if my sister were to commit a heinous crime, I would still "love" her...but, unfortunately, after the initial "shock" about what is to come for her, I'd be hardly surprised that it happened...Not anymore...Not in this world. People's words mean nothing anymore. They cheat anyone and everything they can and laugh about it. 'Til death do us part? Yeah right. Heinous crime? Rampant.

33 dead at VT...Has part of the "intrinsic quality" of your being evaporated?


I leave my soul to two things...Doing the best I know how and trusting in God. If that makes me a zombie, so be it.

[Jiddy78]

Some of the most intelligent minds in this world have come to the realization that materialistic possessions and riches are not important and that helping others, fighting a cause, and defending theirs and others rights are really what matters.....And then someone comes along and assassinates them... so sad!

There's always a catch.

[rip]

Smartest as in book smart only are most likely people that are employed so that they incur less risk. No chance of "losing it all" and they are typically less likely to be great critical thinkers. Not all, but many. Their minds absorb information, but in many cases they aren't the type of thinkers that are able to think outside of that text book.

You can argue that scientists, inventors, etc. are booksmart too, and have that ability to think critically as they must hypothesize, test, and research their ideas. Even the people that have the ability to do this type of thing are still not paid for their ideas for the most part. They are paid very well, but at the same time those that are a bit more business minded will fund this hypothesis, and end up with the bulk of the profits if this "idea" is successful.

It all has to do with what type of mind an individual has. IS it a guy that while working at a job looks at the way the business is run and says to himself: "You know I'll bet if I tried to do it this way it would work a lot better and I could make a mint on my own", OR is it the guy that says: "You know I'll bet if I tried to do it this way it would work a lot better and I could get a raise or promotion." ?

Does the man need a shepard, or are they the shepard?

Motivation, critical thought, lack of fear, and opportunity recognition will most likely lead to those that have the highest worth monetarily. The highest percentage of those people will have those attributes.

Jiddy mentioned that you can't be as rich as Bill Gates with out changing the world. Bill Gates didn't invent that operating system. He finished it off with his buddies, but originally it was jacked from another company. Did the invention change the world, or did Bill Gates? Theft, business saavy, and motivation.

There is no denying that Bill Gates is "smart". He and his buddies did afterall need to tweak the groundwork that was laid for them into the pretty OS that we saw when it was originally released. He also had to tie that market up and create a monopoly by using the opportunity he created for himself, but ultimately it was not original work that he made his fortune with.

There are more millionaires that never went to college than most people would think. Those that see a need and fill it. Those that see an opportunity and fill it.

Many may say that those who make a "decent" living are content, and maybe they are. I would argue taht it has a lot to do with fear as well. Something that has no relation to intelligence. A psychological need to have "security", with little to no risk.

The richest mother fuckers on earth are risk takers. Intelligence has nothing to do with it.

[Jiddy78]

Smartest as in book smart only are most likely people that are employed so that they incur less risk. No chance of "losing it all" and they are typically less likely to be great critical thinkers. Not all, but many. Their minds absorb information, but in many cases they aren't the type of thinkers that are able to think outside of that text book.

You can argue that scientists, inventors, etc. are booksmart too, and have that ability to think critically as they must hypothesize, test, and research their ideas. Even the people that have the ability to do this type of thing are still not paid for their ideas for the most part. They are paid very well, but at the same time those that are a bit more business minded will fund this hypothesis, and end up with the bulk of the profits if this "idea" is successful.

It all has to do with what type of mind an individual has. IS it a guy that while working at a job looks at the way the business is run and says to himself: "You know I'll bet if I tried to do it this way it would work a lot better and I could make a mint on my own", OR is it the guy that says: "You know I'll bet if I tried to do it this way it would work a lot better and I could get a raise or promotion." ?

Does the man need a shepard, or are they the shepard?

Motivation, critical thought, lack of fear, and opportunity recognition will most likely lead to those that have the highest worth monetarily. The highest percentage of those people will have those attributes.

Jiddy mentioned that you can't be as rich as Bill Gates with out changing the world. Bill Gates didn't invent that operating system. He finished it off with his buddies, but originally it was jacked from another company. Did the invention change the world, or did Bill Gates? Theft, business saavy, and motivation.

There is no denying that Bill Gates is "smart". He and his buddies did afterall need to tweak the groundwork that was laid for them into the pretty OS that we saw when it was originally released. He also had to tie that market up and create a monopoly by using the opportunity he created for himself, but ultimately it was not original work that he made his fortune with.

There are more millionaires that never went to college than most people would think. Those that see a need and fill it. Those that see an opportunity and fill it.

Many may say that those who make a "decent" living are content, and maybe they are. I would argue taht it has a lot to do with fear as well. Something that has no relation to intelligence. A psychological need to have "security", with little to no risk.

The richest mother fuckers on earth are risk takers. Intelligence has nothing to do with it.


Yet every parent in this society will be upset if their child does not attend college....even if that schooling puts that child into debt for 100k or so that could have been used to make a million....

Do as I say, not as I do???


Furthermore, I think your opinion is very geared towards our capitalist society, and doesn't quite apply as much in, say, a communist society....

[rip]

Well...in a Communist society it would still require a bit of risk to become someone that is wealthy. There is no such thing as equal so a true communist society isn't impossible. There will still be the have and have nots. The haves will still be required to take risks to achieve greater wealth. Corruption, and taking opportunity to achieve that wealth status would also be involved. Communism is a mirage.

[Jiddy78]

Well...in a Communist society it would still require a bit of risk to become someone that is wealthy. There is no such thing as equal so a true communist society isn't impossible. There will still be the have and have nots. The haves will still be required to take risks to achieve greater wealth. Corruption, and taking opportunity to achieve that wealth status would also be involved. Communism is a mirage.

I agree...Too many whores in this world for the communist theory to be a realistic solution...

That doesn't excuse the whorism though...;)

As for risk, business/financial risk is one thing...but when you're backed by stealth bombers, chindians and bankruptcy laws....It puts it in a whole 'nother context....I'd give quite a bit of money to get one of these hotshot financial gurus that works at Merrill Lynch or TD Ameritrade off to some village in Zimbabwe hocking IRA's and Mutual funds and preaching to them about the importance of taking risks to succeed...What an image...The villagers would beat him, tie him to a pole and then burn him at the stake....I could see it now "Before you guys set me aflame, could you take a look at this prospectus"...

Paradigms baby.