The Zeitgeist - An Interesting Idea on a Possible Utopia
My mindset on material things, but without the billions.
The Homeless Billionaire
By Robert Frank
When I first met Nicolas Berggruen, I was struck by two things. First, he was a multi-billionaire I’d never heard of — the most interesting kind. Second, he didn’t own a home.
“I stay in hotels,” he told me.
A billionaire without a home? This, I figured, was worth a story. My article about Mr. Berggruen in today’s Journal focuses mainly on his investing life and his push toward socially responsible investing. But what interested me most was his unconventional personal life.
After making his billions, Mr. Berggruen, 46, lost interest in acquiring things: They didn’t satisfy him, and in fact had become something of a burden. So he started paring down his material life, selling off his condo in New York, his mansion in Florida and his only car. He hatched plans to leave his fortune to charity and his art collection to a new museum in Berlin.
For him, wealth is about lasting impact, not stuff.
“Everybody is different and I think that we live in a material world,” he told me. “But for me, possessing things is not that interesting. Living in a grand environment to show myself and others that I have wealth has zero appeal. Whatever I own is temporary, since we’re only here for a short period of time. It’s what we do and produce, it’s our actions, that will last forever. That’s real value.”
When I pressed him on why he no longer got much enjoyment from acquiring more “things,” he said this: “First, I don’t need it. Secondly, maybe in a bizarre kind of way, I don’t want to be dependent on it or have the responsibility. I don’t get that much enjoyment out of saying ‘I own it.’ ”
Mr. Berggruen makes clear that his philosophy is his own, and he has nothing against those who want to enjoy their wealth by having big homes, cars and all the rest. And of course it’s easy for a billionaire to say “money and things aren’t important.”
But his perspective seems to be increasingly common among today’s superwealthy — and even wealthy — who are looking for more lasting meaning in their lives beyond their possessions. I’m not saying they’re right or wrong or that possessions are inferior to other measures of wealth — people should use their wealth however they choose. Yet for all that, Mr. Berggruen’s personal downsizing may be a sign that the voluntary simplicity movement could be moving up the wealth ladder.
Abstract Painting & The Need For Expression
Posted by Timothy in Modern Art on May 20, 2009
As human beings we create nothing of our own, but only partake in the great creative process as conduits. So the creative position of the artist is a humbling one. The artist is essentially a channel. This can’t be any more obvious than in the abstract expressionist artist.
As you probably know, abstraction indicates a departure from reality. The need to produce and be a part of something other than the “real world” is a natural desire especially in bad times. In Europe before the 19th century abstract art wasn’t even considered art. And it wasn’t until World War II that the Americans considered the idea or perhaps just found a need for this form of expression. Jackson Pollock was at the helm of this new direction later called abstract expressionism.
While caught in the moment, an abstract artist is often times unaware of just exactly what he or she is creating. Exploration, uncertainties, and emotions all play out on the canvas. Pollock once said, “My method of painting is a natural growth out of a need. I want to express my feelings rather than illustrate them.” So for the expressionist, the visual outcome is important, but so too is the entire action of painting. The action is like therapy for some – a means to channel feelings that need to be expressed for whatever the reason.
People question whether abstract art is actually fine art. It’s hard for some to get past the sometimes care-free appearance and non traditional methods of applied paint and foreign matter. But at the same time there is a huge following. Perhaps the intrigue comes from a simple truth – that abstract art is a very raw and unique visual language, appealing both in its form and substance from which it came.
Storm by Tim Minchin (with text)
I enjoyed this beat poem by comedian Tim Minchin. I thought it was quite clever and hilarious. A demolition of irrationality in all its many guises.
Our New MinPin
Posted by Timothy in Family Life on April 4, 2009
We recently adopted a Miniature Pinscher from a Min Pin rescue.
Our New Min Pin "Olive"
“Olive” as we are now calling her was one of a few hundred dogs saved from a puppy mill in Gold Bar Washington. Supposedly, she was used to breed Min Pin puppies for the puppy mill. We think she may have given birth to at least 5 litters, based on her age (a year and a half) and the gestation period for puppies as well as what age they first go into heat. We were told she was kept in a crate all day long up in the attic of a house, most likely taking care of her immediate litter until they were taken away, then she was bred once more. We don’t think she was abused per se, it just wasn’t the most loving home. However, she’s very loving and affectionate. She’ll jump up in your lap and fall asleep and she always approaches people and other dogs when we walk her around the neighborhood. She’s very playful and good natured, although she needs some training for a few annoying habits, like jumping up on our new furniture.
Overall, we are very happy with her and she is a great addition to our family. If you’re thinking of adding a dog to your family I would suggest going through a rescue group. You can and will find a great friend. If you live in Washington State and would like a minpin we suggest Southern Star MinPin Rescue. I believe they’re also in other states as well.
We especially like how she has one permanently floppy ear and one pointed, it adds to her personality.
The Sea Calls
Our weekend in Pacific City, Oregon at the beach house is coming to a close once again. Back to the big city hustle we go, yet haphazardly and without motivation.
Every visit brings us closer to moving here permanently. We enjoy it here, especially during the off season when limited tourists visit. The town is very small, almost desolate except for the local hotel, Stimulus, and Pelican Pub & Brewery. These are usually filled with tourists driving up or down the 101, coming and going, never to be seen again, like ghosts in the wind.
The locals are very kind and giving, friendlier than most. In my experience, small towns can be forgiving, lonely, or happy depending on how you decide the outcome. Whatever the case, leaving the hustle and bustle of the big city behind is an idea that creeps into our reality. As we continue to get crushed by the humanity around us in the big city, the small beachfront town of Pacific City seems like a utopian oasis outside the chaos. Yet, only time and circumstance will dictate if we end up here, and if we stay till the lights go out.
The Blog Bandwagon
This is the very first post for Timothy Egan.com and I am now on the blog bandwagon. Yes, I know I am a bit late to have my own website, but I can be found elsewhere as well.
Timothy Egan- The Zeitgeist - An Interesting Idea on a Possible Utopia December 13, 2009
- My mindset on material things, but without the billions. November 15, 2009
- Abstract Painting & The Need For Expression May 20, 2009
- Storm by Tim Minchin (with text) April 12, 2009
- Our New MinPin April 4, 2009
- The Sea Calls March 1, 2009
- The Blog Bandwagon February 4, 2009