A Message to the Billionaires
- Evan Michael McIntyre
- Jun 1
- 2 min read
By DJ Evan McIntyre
I am a friend of Bill. My father was a country doctor in Idaho, and he often spoke with admiration about the work Bill Gates' father was doing in Africa during the AIDS epidemic. It's inspiring to see that some billionaires, like Warren Buffett, have had a change of heart and chosen to give away the vast majority of their wealth to charitable causes.
Buffett’s granddaughter — a Buddhist and member of SGI-USA — once called him out publicly for hoarding wealth. Despite the threat of losing her inheritance, she spoke her truth. That kind of courage is rare. I believe her honesty helped push him toward generosity. In my book, she’s a hero — and so is he, for ultimately listening.
Now, Bill Gates is doing the same: pledging nearly all of his fortune to philanthropic work. These billionaires seem to have awakened to a greater responsibility.
I’ve always believed that the powerful are aware of what we say — maybe not through conventional means, but through systems of surveillance and influence. Whether through digital monitoring or more hidden networks, those who speak out are often observed. A wise Buddhist once told me: Live as if you are always being watched. In today’s world, especially as activists, that’s more than just advice — it’s reality.
So, to the billionaires who might be listening: You know what the right thing is.Give at least 30% of your wealth to those in need.
It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man [who places his faith in wealth or status] to enter the kingdom of God.”.
So let's make lots of money honey! And then let's give it all away! Why not?
Bill Gates to give away fortune by 2045, US$200 billion for world's poorest
a day ago
Bill Gates pledged on Thursday (May 8) to give away almost his entire personal wealth in the next two decades and said the world's poorest would receive some US$200 billion via his foundation at a time when governments worldwide are slashing international aid.
The 69-year-old billionaire Microsoft co-founder and philanthropist said he was speeding up plans to divest his fortune and close the Gates Foundation on Dec 31, 2045.
Since inception, the foundation has given away US$100 billion, helping to save millions of lives and backing initiatives like the vaccine group -
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Read the latest on Bill Gates giving all his wealth to the poorest: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/last-chapter-my-career-bill-gates-tvlnc
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