About two years ago I took a moment to stop and read President Clinton’s book called “Giving”, and although I liked many parts of it, the one page I remember most was the page where President Clinton talked about a question he posed to Warren Buffett. In short, the President asked Mr. Buffett why and how he came to the decision to give away $30 Billion of his fortune to the Gates Foundation (the single largest personal gift ever made). To the question Mr. Buffett replied:
I could live very comfortably on less than 1% of that which I possess, all the rest is surplus. I have been lucky. I was born at the right time, in the right country, and have been disproportionately rewarded for the work I have done. It’s the teachers, policeman and fireman who are our true heroes, and those who give up an evening out, or a dinner at a restaurant in order to be able to help others. I have given away nothing that I need, so please don’t make me a hero.
Wouldn’t it be great if the so many around the world who have far more than what they need felt the same way?