“Question: You Are Offered 300 Million Dollars To Do What You Want To Do Where You Say You Want To Do It For The Next Ten Years…."
First, let me address the situation at hand: Harper IS an idiot, for all the reasons stated.
Additionally, the man has no idea what truly makes a person happy. Fulfilling relationships is a big part, with parents, friends, and family. Health contributes, and is often not recognized until it fails. Faith in something (some say ‘anything!’) plays a big role. For some, children can contribute (and can poison happiness as well.) Personal satisfaction in a job well done. Working at something you have a passion for. The Red Sox winning the Series works for certain individuals. Keeping things in perspective (not being angry all the time) is another contributor. None of these can be bought with the last thing providing happiness: money. Money can alleviate certain pressures, but after that, is no indicator of a happy life. Maybe one day Harper will figure that out: many never do.
Now, to the implied question: what would you do with far more money than you and your heirs will ever need?
Material needs and wants will be taken care of. Pursuit of the dollar will become a hobby, not a pressing need. Money does not bring happiness, I have been told, but it CAN rent it for a while. Initially, perhaps a vacation for my family, assorted friends, and the odd theater troop or two.
My pastor will be really happy: I tithe. My church could use a parking garage… or a water park. 🙂 All kidding aside, I would set up a foundation to distribute that tithe (and maybe more?) and make a difference in our little corner of this planet.
My kids could pick a college, contingent on it being Texas A&M. Wait, that is the rule NOW. In any case, their education would be funded.
Of course, I would likely quit my job: managing that amount of cash would require a LOT of attention. I would find something I am passionate about to work at: perhaps a home dedicated to the care of indignant cats? 🙂
What I will not be, in all likelihood, is more happy. Such is the nature of mankind: there will always be problems to overcome, issues to resolve, and setbacks to endure. People will still die. Sicknesses will still exist. Politics will still be the mess they have always been. My current little city will still be run by unelected self important morons. McDonalds will still bring back the McRib only for limited engagements. Such is life.
Money is a tool, not an end unto itself. Like any tool, the ethics lie in how it is used. An unethical person will act the same way when rich: they will just be more damaging to those around them. An ethical person can remain so, but the temptations will be much worse. “With great power comes great…." you get the idea.
Happiness lies within each person. It is a decision, a way of looking at life, and a choice. Circumstances can hinder it, but one has to allow them to overcome it. YOU set your ‘altitude.’
This may be the single most important lesson in this life.