[fountainAtlas]

Originally Posted by Apollia

If I were rich, I would be constantly haunted by the thought of all the starving, miserable people in the world (especially children) whose lives I could almost effortlessly save just by using my wealth. I would never have any peace unless I did something about it. Even now I feel guilty for not being able to do more.

By reading the above I got the impression that you may have an issue with success. For you feel guilty for everything you have. I suspect if you earn your money, that guilt would diminish. But without removing some of that guilt it will be hard for you to proceed with confidence, which seems to be a very important element in achieving success.

Originally Posted by Apollia

As for a more selfish reason why people should rescue the poor - there are probably tons of talented artists, musicians, writers, inventors, etc. who end up destroyed by poverty in various ways, such as by their lives being cut short by preventable ill health, or by being driven to despair and suicide. At best, these artistis, etc. might end up wasting so much time working at a mindless job that they don't produce as many creative works as they otherwise would be able to. Any art, music, literature or technology lover, even one who is a non-humanitarian, should find that to be reason enough not to abandon everyone to near-slavery and misery.

Many artist derived their insperation from their misery, would you want to deprive society of Picasso's famous Blue period?

Originally Posted by Apollia

It's hard for me to be grateful for more rope to hang myself with. Or more leashes to tether me to unwanted masters and give them power over me no one in a free society should have over another human being.

We, as the common people, have far more freedom now then we ever did. We have few people to blame for when we choose to enter into bondage. But it is a bit naive to think that we live a free society. As long as there is scarcity, we will not be Free.

Originally Posted by Apollia

Fortunately, though, I don't have that problem anymore - my credit report is probably so destroyed after being in default for about a year, I'm pretty sure it would be very difficult for me to find a loan or more credit even if I wanted to look.

Why give up so easily?

Originally Posted by Apollia

Except you can be thrown in jail due to owing child support or taxes, at least in the USA.

This is a whole other topic. But you only pay taxes when you make money. Keep in mind that taxes paid for the road that you use to get to work, among other things. The internet came out from public universities trying to communicate better with one another; those universities were in part funded by public funds and thus taxes. The government is not all bad.

Originally Posted by Apollia

(The thing I found pointless about that job was the fact that that job did hardly anything to improve the world at large. Although, since my boss was a nice guy, I'm not unhappy that I saved him some money in the time I was there. He said I did the work of three people, by the way - so, lest there be any doubt, I just wanted to mention that, to show I am definitely capable of being productive ).

Sometimes you need to crawl before you walk.

Originally Posted by Apollia

You sound like you have no problem with inheritance, though - despite the fact that inheritance is often thought to produce much the same results, "spoiled rich kids", etc.

Many of them will lose what they inherited. Now that is justice

"I wish everyone had a huge inheritance. " Becareful what you wish for.

Originally Posted by Apollia

If _I_ shock you, what do you think about Steve's article, 10 Reasons You Should Never Get a Job?

Thanks for inspiring me to write these messages, it was fun. I hope it helps make my views more understandable and less disturbing to you.

Best wishes,
Apollia

Not sure how that article relates to the discussion, but then again I do not think I have ever written as much as I have right now. I am exhausted.

-FountainAtlas