Just chickeny is crooky...was: American Middle Clbutt: Endangered Species 3049

I worked for a time around extremely wealthy and famous people. Part of that as a bartender at an exceedingly exclusive club. My observation is that those who worked and earned the initial fortune are usually decent, driven, and frequently empathetic human beings. But each successive generation grows thinking wealth is their enbreastlement. More importantly they increasingly have never had to forgo or delay gratification and sacrifice for a meaningful goal. If they want something, they can get it, and quickly. Similarly they can go most anywhere when they wish. Paris, London, Hong Kong. NY. But when they get there, it is very much the same. 4 star hotels in any of these places are exceedingly similar and their experience little different.

What I discovered in this situation is a larger number of the offspring, especially 3 and 4 and 5 generations removed from the initial wealth (the founders often work to try to instill some work ethic and values - but there is erosion each generation as the experienced becomes ever more remote) - those removed from that - can be most anywhere, have most anything, and do most anything they want.

But there in lies the problem. Because they can have anything, nothing holds any particular value above other things. Being able to have anything quickly devolves in to not really wanting anything or appreciating anything or getting bored with it shortly after obtaining it. Life quickly becomes empty and meaningless for a large portion of these offspring. Drug use provided the only unexpected or unpredictable aspect for many, the only excitement or new experience. And alcohol use was also very high as a medication for the emptiness. As some one who served the drinks I was often staggered by the volume I poured down these souls. And it was very clear to me that there was a generational multiplier in consumption. (at odds with the general retreat from the martini lunch of a generation or two ago.)

Now I'm not saying its a general rule, but it's all very common. Some find their high in activity of leisure - skiing, sailing, or such. But many are bored to tears because they've do not value anything because it has all come so easily.

- - - - Just another albino black sheep