In 1923 , eight of the wealthiest people in the world met.
Their combined wealth, (according to an estimate) exceeded the wealth of the government of the United States (This was much before Microsoft and Apple were born).
These men knew how to make a living and accumulate wealth.
It's very interesting to read about what happened to these 8 wealthiest people in the world.
What happened to each of them after 25 years later.......?
1. Charles Schwab - President of Bethlehem Steel, the largest Steel maker of US in those days.
He died bankrupt, living on borrowed money for five years before his death!
2. Howard Hubson - President of the largest Gas Company.
He become insane and died!
3. Arthur Cutton - One of the greatest commodity traders.
He was under indictment for tax evasion upon his death in Chicago in 1936 and by then,
his fortune had vastly depleted by the stock market crash!
4. Richard Whitney - President of the New York Stock Exchange from 1930 to 1935.
He was charged with embezzlement and had to serve 8 year jail term!
5. Albert Fall - Senator of New Mexico and the Secretary of the Interior under President Warren G. Harding.
He was charged with corruption and was jailed for 1 year!
He became the first former cabinet officer sentenced to prison as a result of misconduct in office!
6. Jessie Livermore - An American stock broker and was known as "Great bear of Wall Street".
On November 28, 1940, Livermore shot and killed himself.
In the 8 page suicide note found on him, he says this to his wife:
"I am unworthy of your love. I am a failure. I am truly sorry, but this is the only way out for me.
Love Laurie"!
7. Ivar Krueger - Built a global match and financial empire.
Controlled between two thirds and three quarters of the worldwide match production
and became famous as the "Match King"!
His financial empire collapsed during the Great Depression
In March 1932, he was found dead in the bedroom of his flat in Paris!
8. Leon Fraser - President of Bank of International Settlement.
He went into depression and committed suicide in 1945!
So, what happened? Where did they go wrong?
They most certainly made lots and lots of money.
They were very wealthy . But what did they lack then?
They forgot to make a life! Instead, they just made Money!
Money provides comfort and status.
It also provides food for the hungry, medicine for the sick, clothes for the needy and shelter for the homeless.
But, in the pursuit of money, they forgot other important things in life!
We need 2 kinds of education.
One that teaches us skills on how to make a living. Second one that teaches us values on how to live life, free from entrapment of chasing after an illusion of happiness.
Many people are entrapped in that chase neglecting health, family, the social responsibilities, the environment and moment by moment of real deep fresh breathing .
The kids will be sleeping when we leave home in the morning. They are sleeping when we come home in the night. Twenty years later, when we look back, they are all all be gone. Same goes for our health, dreams and purpose in life. Twenty years late , they will all be gone or a far distant memory .
Without water, a ship cannot move. The ship needs water. Yet, if the water gets into the ship, the ship will face problems and finally sink. Similarly, we live in a time where earning is a necessity. But let not the earning enter our hearts. What was once a means of living, will become heavy chain, an entrapment and a means of destruction !!!???
No comments:
Post a Comment