The Least Intelligent Things Ultra Wealthy People Do

Living in the shadow of ultra-wealthy individuals can provide unique insights into their behavior and decision-making processes. While it’s easy to romanticize the lifestyle of those with immense resources, the reality is that even the richest among us can fall victim to some rather lackluster and impractical choices. Let’s explore some of the least intelligent things that ultra-wealthy people often do.

Expensive Impulsive Buys

I live in a neighborhood that is reportedly one of the wealthiest in the United States. A frequent sight, albeit a frustrating one, is the number of deliveries that occur for small items. Rich people seem to have a peculiar habit of ordering everything at the last minute and from great distances, even when it’s within a 10-minute drive. For instance, one evening, I was tasked with delivering a single box of bone broth that needed to be delivered to a customer 30 minutes away. Another night, the same customer required a small pack of disposable razors and a pack of Epsom salts, all of which were within a similar driving radius.

Each of these deliveries was compensated with around $20, an amount that seems excessive for such small items. In fact, similar deliveries can be found on platforms like Sephora, where high-priced same-day deliveries are a regular occurrence. It seems that the ultra-wealthy are more willing to indulge in these types of impulsive buys, often driven by convenience or simply the need to display their wealth.

Overpaying for Security

Another puzzling behavior among the ultra-wealthy is their tendency to overpay for security. Rather than simply enjoying the benefits of a low-crime area, they might live in a gated community with multiple security checkpoints, including residential gates, coded gates, and even private driveways. While the presence of security personnel and multiple layers of protection may provide a false sense of security, the costs associated with maintaining such a system can be exorbitant.

The idea of a false sense of security is particularly ironic given the oftentimes dubious nature of such systems. The millions spent on entrance gates and security personnel could be better allocated to crime prevention strategies that have a proven track record of success. Instead, they are spending on systems that may provide a temporary sense of comfort but do little to address real security issues.

Showboating on Social Media

Another interesting behavior is the tendency of the ultra-wealthy to indulge in social media showboating. This often includes buying sports teams, album rights, and even social media platforms. Their primary motivation is to gain attention and maintain a public presence, a strategy that can be both costly and ultimately futile. These attempts at being in the spotlight often come at a great expense and may not yield the desired attention, as the public’s interest is often short-lived.

The same can be said for some of the newer fads, such as building survivor bunkers. For a price tag of several million dollars, these bunkers promise a temporary refuge in case of a nuclear war. However, the logic behind this decision is flawed. After a few months of isolation, the residents would likely face severe challenges, such as starvation, radiation poisoning, or other health issues. The bunker itself becomes a waste of money and an unnecessary addition to news stories about the rich.

Elon Musk's Twitter Purchase

One of the most notable examples in recent times is Elon Musk’s acquisition of Twitter for $44 billion. While Musk has demonstrated a track record of risk-taking ventures, the steep price and the potential strain on his personal finances have been subjects of widespread debate. Many question the wisdom of such a purchase, as it may divert resources better spent on Musk's existing ventures, such as SpaceX and Tesla.

Misinterpretation of Badly Written Signs

Lastly, it's worth mentioning that rich people can sometimes misinterpret things literally, often due to poorly worded instructions or signs. This might seem trivial, but it’s a behavior that reflects a lack of adaptability and a preference for taking things at face value without considering context. As these individuals often have access to better communication and resources, it’s even more perplexing when they misinterpret written messages or signs.

Despite the various ways in which the ultra-wealthy might seem to be overstepping in their decisions, it’s important to remember that money doesn’t necessarily equate to intelligence. The behaviors mentioned here are more about the overindulgence and misunderstanding of practical realities, rather than a reflection of any inherent lack of intelligence. As we continue to observe the actions of the ultra-wealthy, it’s clear that their choices can be both fascinating and perplexing.