Greed
by Miki Saxon
Reading a review of David Sarna’s History of Greed got me to thinking, especially the end when you learn that Sarna himself was greedy.
History of Greed‘s book jacket neglects to mention that he pleaded guilty in 2006 to conspiring to commit securities fraud and served nine months in jail. Had the author interviewed himself, he might have gained valuable insight into what sparks already wealthy people to take risks—even illegal ones—to enhance their coffers. When I asked Sarna why he omitted such a significant biographical detail, he confessed that his wife asked him to.
There’s been a lot written, especially over the last two decades, about greed, mostly centered on money and wealth, but that only tells a small part of the greed story.
Greed is defined as “excessive or rapacious desire, esp. for wealth or possessions,” but another source mentions food.
Greed can apply to anything—take it far enough and it becomes addiction.
Greed applies not just to tangibles, but to intangibles—think power.
But there are more subtle and surprising things than money and power that can lead people down the path to bad behavior.
Promotion; religion; empathy; leading; hobbies; sports (real and fantasy); working out; TV; books; friends, fans and followers; music; love; respect; the list is endless.
First we want, then desire, then crave; craving grows and we become greedy for more—always more. No matter how much we have it’s never enough.
Greed will eat us alive and if we do nothing it can destroy what we care about.
What do you crave that could lead to greed? What do you do about it?
Flickr image credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/seeminglee/4053200705/
October 6th, 2010 at 2:07 pm
For the record, I was set up by my subtenant, who was cooperating with the government to do a single trade of registered stock. I carried the man rent-free for six months. He wanted 30%commission to arrange the sale.The government termed that “conspiracy.” I was charged and pleaded guilty to a single count. I never was charged, and never did take anything from anyone. In fact, I have no bars whatsoever from the SEC. I am not prohibited from acting as officer or director of any company, nor do I have any other restrictions.
I hope you read and enjoy the book, as did others.
Se for example, Budding Gekkos get tips on Ponzis
http://www.heraldsun.com/view/full_story/9731782/article-Budding-Gekkos-get-tips-on-Ponzis?instance=main_article
The Herald-Sun
By the way, on the general subject of greed and food, see http://www.greedwatcher.com/2010/09/is-it-criminal-trial-of-raphael-golb.html
October 6th, 2010 at 2:37 pm
David, I’m honored that you took time to comment and set the record straight. The details weren’t in the Times article and that is a shame, because it certainly gives the wrong impression!
Of course it’s nice to know that the Feds at that time were intent enough to “catch” you, while turning a blind eye to Bernie and friends:)
Greed is on my reading list, which, alas, keeps getting longer and my time gets shorter.
Thanks again for visiting and sharing additional information.