X-Message-Number: 28103
From: "Mark Plus" <>
Subject: The banality of super-wealth
Date: Fri, 23 Jun 2006 11:33:09 -0700

Regarding the existence of 200 ultra-billionaires in the world, I see no 
evidence that their wealth gives them the kinds of advantages over the rest 
of us that really matter. They still die pretty much on schedule like the 
non-wealthy people in developed countries, and from the same aging-related 
diseases for which we have no effective long-term treatments. (As Robin 
Hanson has pointed out, most of modern healthcare doesn't make you any 
healthier, no matter how much money you spend on it.) If you could see them 
getting a colonoscopy at a private super-exclusive clinic, I doubt you'd 
hold them in such awe afterwards.

And I see no evidence that they've gotten onto the transhumanist bandwagon 
to try to conquer death and other human limitations for themselves, despite 
speculations about superhuman billionaires playing Magneto. After all, 
having billions of dollars doesn't automatically enlighten you; people with 
vast fortunes can easily adhere to traditional or even retrogade beliefs 
like conservative Catholicism, Christian Dominionism or radical Islam (you 
can probably think of examples of each), none of which lists the biological 
re-engineering of humanity on its agenda.

So, let these guys play their billionaire games, which will turn to ashes 
soon enough as they pass from the scene and disperse their assets to their 
heirs.

Mark Plus
Manage your risk, not your terror.

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