The Atlantic

Letters: ‘The Puzzle of the Wealthy’

Readers consider why many ultrarich people aren’t satisfied with their wealth—and discuss how to make America more equitable.
Source: Thomas Peter / Reuters

The Reason Many Ultrarich People Aren’t Satisfied With Their Wealth

Recently, Joe Pinsker talked to a handful of experts about why many ultrarich people are motivated to accumulate more and more wealth. There are two central questions people ask themselves when determining whether they’re satisfied, one researcher explained: Am I doing better than I was before? and Am I doing better than other people?


My grown sons and I have often discussed the puzzle of the wealthy who want more

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