On Tue, Dec 31, 2013 at 10:45 AM, Carrol Cox <[email protected]> wrote:
> "What does Jack MacDonald's remarkable story say about the USA, its > capitalism and associated value systems in 2013?" > > Nothing whatever. The story doesn't even exhibit the _existence_ of > capitalism, let alone the nature of capitalism. You don't think the hoarding impulse and a value system that celebrates such an impulse, are central to capitalism? > This story could appear in a variety of non-capitalist societies. > On the contrary: I don't think this story could appear in any place except the US. And in the US, this is not a unique story either. There have been other very rich people who lived frugal lives keeping their fortunes secret and then leaving behind a spectacular bequest. I should have provided the link to Felix Salmon's very perceptive commentary on the MacDonald story. Be sure to read the comments at the end of Salmon's post. I think it is very enlightening. http://blogs.reuters.com/felix-salmon/2013/12/02/philanthropy-stock-picking-and-presbyterian-frugality/ -raghu.
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