Hey, I need to talk to you about something. Now, you're growing up and becoming a young man, and I couldn't be more proud of the person you are becoming. I know that you are going through a difficult phase, and that you're trying to find your place in the world. I understand that you may be feeling frustrated and overwhelmed at times, but please know that I am here for you, no matter what. I know it's important to take care of ourselves and do what we want, but sometimes we need to think about how our actions affect other people too. When we're too focused on ourselves, we can end up hurting the people around us and messing up our relationships. I just want you to think about how you've been acting lately and whether it's fair to the people in your life. Try to put yourself in their shoes and think about how you would feel if someone treated you the way you're treating them. It's all about empathy and trying to see things from other people's perspectives.

Egoism and selfishness have become the defining traits of our society, and it is indeed a sad and disheartening state of affairs. People have become so focused on their own personal gains and desires that they have forgotten the importance of empathy and compassion for their fellow human beings. This is evident in many aspects of our lives, from the way people interact with each other to the way they prioritize their material possessions. The spectacle of people showing off their expensive sports cars instead of their tax bills highlights this shift towards egoism and selfishness. Tax bills are a symbol of one's civic responsibility, a testament to the fact that they are contributing to society and helping to build a better future for all. However, many people today prefer to flaunt their material possessions instead, showcasing their wealth and status to the world. This not only demonstrates your disregard for your civic duties, but also their lack of understanding of the importance of community and the common good. Just for a moment think about the $750 in federal income taxes Trump paid in 2017.
This trend towards egoism and selfishness is not limited to the material world. We see it in the way people treat each other, as well. Relationships have become transactional, with people only concerned about what they can get out of them. The effects of this – what the Germans so strikingly call “Ich AG” can be seen all around us, son. There is a growing divide between the rich and the poor, with wealth being concentrated in the hands of a few.

Do you remember the conversation we had about UBS buying the collapsing Credit Suisse? How the "bad to the bone" got their hands on "pure evil"? Well, by accident I came across the "Credit Suisse Global Wealth Report". They surely know it all. At the end of the day “Knowing your customer” is today’s catch phrase in business. I’ve got hard figures for you. It’s no news that the distribution of wealth in the world is highly unequal. The top 1% of the global population owns more than half of the world's wealth, while the bottom 53,2% owns less than 1% of the wealth. You said you wanna become a zillionaire. You wanna become like Elon Musk or Bill Gates or Jeff Bezos and I’m fine with your ambitions, but think about if you wanna become the richest of the rich at the expenses of other people?

There still must be that "Wall Street" DVD around. We have to watch it! You’ll like it - even if it’s one of those slow pace films from the '80s. You’ll like Gordon Gecko. He’s a corporate raider and stock trader - portrayed by actor Michael Douglas - who becomes a mentor to a young, ambitious stockbroker named Bud Fox, played by Charlie Sheen. Gecko is known for his aggressive tactics, cutthroat business practices, and willingness to do whatever it takes to make a profit, even if it means breaking the law or betraying his friends and colleagues. Gecko's most famous line from the movie is "Greed is good". Sounds familiar?

Do you know that greed is one of the Seven Deadly Sins? No, you don’t. Though you’ve been raised in a catholic country you haven't been christened and you don’t attend religious education. (God bless you! ;-). Lucky you I looked it up on the Internet: “Greed" is one of Seven Deadly Sins, also known as the Capital Vices and is often defined as an excessive or insatiable desire for wealth, power, or material possessions. It can be described as an intense longing for more than what is necessary, often at the expense of others. Greed can manifest in different ways and can affect people of all walks of life. Some examples of greed might include hoarding resources, exploiting others for personal gain, or taking advantage of a situation for financial benefit. Greed can also lead to unethical or illegal behavior, such as fraud, theft, or corruption. While having a desire for success and financial security is not inherently bad, excessive greed can have negative consequences for both individuals and society as a whole. It can lead to social and economic inequality, as well as harm relationships with others. Overall, it's important to strike a balance between ambition and greed. By recognizing the dangers of excessive greed and cultivating empathy and generosity, we can build a more just and compassionate society”. Period!

There are so many things I wanna say to you but you don’t listen to me anymore - which all in all is fine 'cos you have to go your own way. I respect that. How about listen to others? People way smarter than I am? How about Angus Deaton and Daniel Kahneman, researchers at Princeton University, which examined the relationship between income and happiness? Their research found that there is a strong correlation between income and happiness up to a certain point, after which the relationship flattens out. They found that the income threshold for happiness is around $75.000 per year in the United States. Above that income level, more money does not necessarily lead to increased happiness. So, what is this craving for more money all about?
My yearly income is far away from 75.000 dollar and I have no insight? True - but don’t believe that stacking millions on millions makes you happier once you surpassed your personal threshold.
Anyway “listening” is the key word for all people who dislike reading. I put down a list for you. We both know how much I love lists. You’ll like it. Promise! It’s a playlist. Easy listening. Oldschool music from the 70s and 80s. You’re right - when I was your age. Will whatsapp the playlist to you. I’m sure it’s on Spotify:

"Money" by Pink Floyd
"Ego" by Beyoncé
"You're So Vain" by Carly Simon
"Can't Buy Me Love" by The Beatles

I want you to know that I will always love you, even when we disagree or when things get tough. And, even though you may be growing up, and even though you may be testing your boundaries and exploring the world around you, you will always be my little boy - my greedy little boy. You will always be the person who brings a smile to my face, and the person who fills my heart with love and joy. I simply want to encourage you to reflect on your behavior and how it impacts those around you. I'm here to support you and help you become the best version of yourself. That’s what moms are for.