Hoarders

🌈 Abstract

The article discusses the concept of hoarding, both in terms of material wealth and emotional goodwill, and how it relates to human nature, economic security, and happiness. It examines the challenges of wealth accumulation, the ineffectiveness of some philanthropic efforts, and the differences in how men and women approach giving. The author shares his personal experiences and perspectives on finding fulfillment through spending on experiences and giving back.

🙋 Q&A

[01] Hoarding and Human Nature

1. What are the key reasons why humans have historically hoarded surplus items?

• To survive in leaner times
• To signal wealth and desirability as a mate
• To support key rituals that depended on precious items being stored safely
• The development of an agricultural economy was dependent on the ability to store crops

2. How has the industrial age and mass production created a "mother of all good problems" related to hoarding?

• The industrial age and mass production have led to superabundance, but our instincts have not kept pace with this increased productivity and processing power
• We not only gorge, but also hoard, as our desire for things and experiences is fueled by an economy and society that runs on the incentive of "more"

3. How does the author's personal background relate to the issue of economic anxiety and hoarding?

• The author's parents were always close to economic anxiety, which the author did not fully appreciate until the weight of that anxiety was lifted
• The author experienced acute feelings of failure when he lost his business the same month his oldest son was born, highlighting the profound anxiety that can arise from economic insecurity

[02] Wealth, Spending, and Happiness

1. What is the author's perspective on the relationship between wealth and happiness?

• Modern research confirms that long-term, sustainable happiness does not come from wealth, but from relationships with others
• The real gift of wealth is being freed from the economic anxiety that can stress nearly every relationship
• Wealth offers diminishing returns in terms of lifestyle and entertainment opportunities beyond a certain level

2. How does the author argue that spending, rather than hoarding, can benefit the economy?

• Spending puts money back into the economy, often at points with the most impact, generating wages and opportunities
• Consumer spending makes up two-thirds of economic activity in the U.S., and the top fifth of households by income account for nearly half of that spending
• A million dollars in entertainment spending supports 6.5 jobs directly and another 22.5 indirectly

3. What does the author suggest about the benefits of giving and philanthropy?

• Giving to others provides both passing pleasure and long-term happiness, as evidenced by numerous studies
• Giving money away has been shown to have a similar correlation with happiness as making more of it
• The author advocates for pursuing "real wealth" in the form of happiness, a sense of belonging, and being part of something bigger than oneself

[03] Effective Philanthropy

1. What are the author's criticisms of some forms of billionaire philanthropy?

• Too much billionaire philanthropy is a "12-carat misdirection" to avoid taxes and sustain dynasties, with money going to private foundations and donor-advised funds that may never directly benefit those in need
• The Giving Pledge has not resulted in significant increases in actual giving, as the collective wealth of its members has tripled in the past decade

2. How does the author contrast the approaches of MacKenzie Scott and Melinda French Gates to effective philanthropy?

• MacKenzie Scott practices a "below-the-radar" approach, making sizable grants with no strings attached and no PR fanfare
• Melinda French Gates has announced $1 billion in gifts spread across dozens of organizations, focusing her philanthropy on organizations working on behalf of women and families

3. What does the author suggest about the differences in how men and women approach giving and philanthropy?

• Evolutionary theory suggests that women are more naturally inclined towards empathy, social bonds, and community-oriented generosity
• Women are also socialized to be more nurturing and cooperative, with 85% of charitable giving decisions in affluent households made or influenced by a woman