It’s just past tax time and I usually compare my yearly incomings and outgoings and see how much I have given to charity. I suspect for most people this is the only time they see the total monetary contribution they have made (time and property/donations is valuable too of course).

I wonder if there were Fortune 500 and BRW Annual ‘Generous’ Lists, we would see a change in the way we view businesses and wealthy individuals. I remember a talk by Peter Singer I attended alerted me to the concept of giving as a percentage of one’s income, much like a tax rate.

If BRW discarded its fetish for wealth and rankings  (even for one issue) and showed society how much of their wealth the Rich List donated, we might well have different perspectives. I’m sure we would be pleasantly surprised in several cases.

After some boutique properties, a collection of classic cars, holidays, a designer wardrobe, a few lavish parties and food, who really needs that much money? 😉