A few years ago I read in the newspaper about a man who suddenly became rich by winning the Mark Six Lottery. The first thing he did was to fulfil his dream of buying a very expensive car. He immediately chose the latest model, and went for a drive. He was so happy and excited that he drove very fast, crashed into another car and was killed. That was a tragedy for his family.
More recently, I read about a poor young boy who worked hard selling newspapers, and at the age of fourteen he had saved enough money to buy a small farm. Later he got married. He is now a famous person, named Warren Buffett, the second richest man in the US. Recently Mr Buffett donated 31 million US dollars to charity.
In spite of his great wealth, Mr Buffett still lives in a small town house, which is not protected by any high walls or railings, and he has no security guards. He drives his own car and has no driver. He does not carry a mobile phone, avoids wearing designer clothes, does not like to show off his wealth, or socialise with wealthy friends.
Yet, after 50 years of hard work, Mr Buffett owns 63 business companies and employs many Chief Executive Officers (CEOs), to whom he gives the advice "Don't lose shareholders' money". That shows that he cares about his clients. He advises people not to use credit cards because they only lead to heavy debt. In fact, he is an unusual person.
Mr Buffett is a happy man because he is free from all bad influences in business, considers other people, can set an example to others, and shares money with the poor and needy.
If all rich people behaved like Mr Buffett , we would not have so many homeless, starving people in the world. No doubt we would not have wars, caused by those who want to grab the world's resources to make themselves rich, and who do not consider how many people they have killed, wounded or made homeless, in order to get what they want.
Have a discussion with your friends and consider what you would choose if you became rich. Then consider what makes people really happy: grabbing money, or helping those in need?
Learn this proverb: "It is better to give than to receive."
Writer's profile
Born Elsie Hume in England, graduated from Durham University, lived in China 1948-51, and in Hong Kong since then. Married Andrew Tu and worked together for justice and people's rights.
Hong Kong Life Publishing Date: 2008/6/17
Miss Ip says:
More recently, I read about a poor young boy who worked hard selling newspapers, and at the age of fourteen he had saved enough money to buy a small farm. Later he got married. He is now a famous person, named Warren Buffett, the second richest man in the US. Recently Mr Buffett donated 31 million US dollars to charity.
In spite of his great wealth, Mr Buffett still lives in a small town house, which is not protected by any high walls or railings, and he has no security guards. He drives his own car and has no driver. He does not carry a mobile phone, avoids wearing designer clothes, does not like to show off his wealth, or socialise with wealthy friends.
Yet, after 50 years of hard work, Mr Buffett owns 63 business companies and employs many Chief Executive Officers (CEOs), to whom he gives the advice "Don't lose shareholders' money". That shows that he cares about his clients. He advises people not to use credit cards because they only lead to heavy debt. In fact, he is an unusual person.
Mr Buffett is a happy man because he is free from all bad influences in business, considers other people, can set an example to others, and shares money with the poor and needy.
If all rich people behaved like Mr Buffett , we would not have so many homeless, starving people in the world. No doubt we would not have wars, caused by those who want to grab the world's resources to make themselves rich, and who do not consider how many people they have killed, wounded or made homeless, in order to get what they want.
Have a discussion with your friends and consider what you would choose if you became rich. Then consider what makes people really happy: grabbing money, or helping those in need?
Learn this proverb: "It is better to give than to receive."
Writer's profile
Born Elsie Hume in England, graduated from Durham University, lived in China 1948-51, and in Hong Kong since then. Married Andrew Tu and worked together for justice and people's rights.
Hong Kong Life Publishing Date: 2008/6/17
Miss Ip says:
What would you do if you became very rich?
I would help the others, especially the children who don't have enough money to study.
