this post was submitted on 03 Jul 2023
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I saw a post a few months ago (which I'm too lazy to find) where a former SpaceX employee explained how the managers had to essentially manipulate Musk into not destroying the company. Essentially as the company grew, they formed a metaphorical cyst around his influence to limit his damage. That didn't exist when he infested Twitter, and so the internet's dumpster was ignited.
It really makes you wonder if all the "billionaires" aren't exactly like this. Born into infinite privilege, surrounded by yes men and sycophants every minute of their lives. They become walking disasters who have to be managed and distracted constantly, kept far away from the actual business.
In the last few years, we've gotten an up close and personal look at two such figures - Musk and Trump. Musk is increasingly being revealed to be an idiot on at least a weekly basis. Trump is about to face his 3rd round of indictments out of who knows how many are coming? Putting a spotlight on these people gone well for them, to say the least.
I wonder what would happen if a camera crew had near-constant access to Jamie Dimon, Jeff Bezos, etc. I wonder if they have teams positioned around them to screen them out of important decisions as much as possible, because the privilege created by their disgusting levels of wealth and power has rotted their brains. I also wonder if you were to look closely enough at their dealings, they wouldn't all be under indictment.
Humans naturally conflate wealth with either high intelligence or impeccable morality. In religious circles, this is often the source of prosperity gospel. In economic circles, this is often the source of fraud.
Yes many of the billionaires are this. Same with politicians.
This instantly reminded me of Succession on HBO. It felt so over the top when it first came out but the more I learn about the ultra wealthy the more believable the show becomes.
Plus it seems to be based on the owners of Fox News.