At 19 minutes, this video is a bit longer than any I would normally post, but I couldn't stop watching even though the subject matter is depressing. We are well aware that Elon Musk is the richest man in the world today. But how does that compare to wealthy men from history? That's a sticky question for a number of reasons. First, you have to adjust for inflation. But that's still just numbers. Then you have to separate personal wealth from state riches under their control. How wealthy was each of the historically richest men compared to other people of his time? And what was the foreign exchange rate then? And most importantly, how can we really define wealth- by units of currency or by power over your neighbor?
The Corridor Crew wrestles with each of these questions to determine the wealthiest man in history. That is/was probably something these rich guys are/were personally proud of, while the rest of us look at it as a sin. The video tries to alleviate our anger by portraying these guys as goofy CGI contestants in an elimination contest. (via Memo of the Air)
Wednesday, October 08, 2025
Comparing the Wealthiest of the Wealthy
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"Richest" is also complicated because we are all wealthier, even if peasants, than many people at many times in history, if and when our lives are sustainable.
I could sit in a desk at home and make $110k. That's indescribable! And I could earn that in a single afternoon, by solving a problem that costs millions, while unresolved. For one man to be able to do so much, that's amazing, isn't it?
I was an IT specialist, and very good at my job. It's still amazes me that, on my very best days, I really was that good, and now, well, now I'm not able to work, and not even able to play.
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