[summer]

I think you're right in everything you said in your post, especially this:

Remember the saying "money does`nt buy happiness".

On the other hand, money can buy a lot that is worthwhile, especially in this country: better health care, etc.

So while it can't buy "happiness" I don't know of anyone who says it's better to be poor than rich.

It's funny when I think about these matters in terms of teaching -- because in that situation, let's say you can and do turn out a classroom full of Bill Gates every year. Let's just pretend there is a teacher who can do that. Well -- so what? Does that teacher ever share in .01% of the mega-bucks a Bill Gates will then make? No, you do everything out of "the goodness of your heart." But the rest of the world does not operate that way. The rest of the world wants a percentage if they contribute to the selling of your art, your book, your home, whatever. The rest of the world makes a living not out of the "goodness of its heart" but out of the nuts and bolts of the bottom line. In teaching and other such professions, you can be "happy" but also after awhile, you begin to realize: The meek may inherit the world, but perhaps those like Ellen Barkin are the really bright women, because they will be living well right here on earth. Just rants, and rambling here! :)

[Luke Skyfreeper]

let's say you can and do turn out a classroom full of Bill Gates every year. Let's just pretend there is a teacher who can do that. Well -- so what? Does that teacher ever share in .01% of the mega-bucks a Bill Gates will then make? No, you do everything out of "the goodness of your heart."

Actually...

Let's say my wife and I do manage to "turn out" a Bill Gates or two (which is possible as business and personal success are a definite and important part of the curriculum). It's likely that we will share in that success - as our students happen to be the same people who are likely to be responsible for our care in our old age. (Assuming we need any care, that is. :-) )