Netflix co-founder Marc Randolph recently turned to X (previously Twitter) and offered an interesting story about Microsoft founder Bill Gates, the world's ninth richest man.
Randolph stated that Gates used to fly economy class on a plane despite his $40 billion fortune. He also stated that Gates could easily afford to travel first class and explained why the Microsoft founder did not.
«Bill Gates traveled by economy class most of the time, not because he was unable to pay for first class but rather because he did not believe it offered a good value.» «It's five or six times more expensive, but only marginally better [and you all arrive at the same time],» Randolph explained.
The Netflix co-founder then explained why he doesn't waste money on unnecessary things.
He explained that he could easily buy a really great automobile right now, but he had never been a car man, and he didn't need a Lamborghini.
He further said that he doesn't see the point in spending more money on a sports utility vehicle than a Volvo station wagon would. He doesn't need to spend $1000 on a bottle of wine at dinner, because he knows he will get the same enjoyment from a $35 bottle, he concluded.
Randolph discussed the use of wealth and time in his closing remarks.
In addition to security, it also offers flexibility. The most important thing I've learned about money after all of my experiences is that, after you have enough [by the criteria given above], you can decide to have less of it in order to have more control over your time.