14/07/2025
Why do people who are already very rich want more money?
This is a deep and often debated question. There isn’t one single answer, but here are several key reasons why very rich people often want more money:
1. Power and Influence
Money = power. More money often leads to more political, social, and economic influence. For many, the drive isn't just wealth—it's the ability to shape the world, protect interests, or leave a legacy.
2. Status and Competition
Wealth can be a way to keep score in a competitive world. For some, it’s not about what they have, but about having more than others (especially peers or rivals).
The ultra-wealthy often live in circles where a net worth of $100 million might feel "average."
3. Fear of Losing It
Paradoxically, the more people have, the more they may fear losing it—whether through taxes, market crashes, or societal changes. More money can feel like a buffer against uncertainty.
4. Addiction to Growth
Some individuals become psychologically addicted to success and accumulation—they thrive on deals, growth, and expansion, not the money itself.
This can mirror behavioral patterns found in addiction—chasing the next high, regardless of necessity.
5. Legacy and Impact
Some rich individuals want more money to fund philanthropy, build institutions, or shape future generations. Think of figures like Bill Gates or Warren Buffett.
But even this can stem from ego, legacy, or wanting their name etched into history.
6. Capitalism's Incentives
The system rewards endless accumulation. Wealth begets wealth through investments, loopholes, and opportunities inaccessible to most people.
It’s often easier for the rich to get richer simply because they can.
7. Identity and Purpose
For many, especially entrepreneurs, building wealth is their identity. Stopping might feel like giving up who they are or why they exist.