Spending money is an important skill to learn. But some people…
On Monday, a bottle of Macallan 1926 whisky (bottled in 1986) sold for £2.2 million.
There are only 40 bottles, which makes it a collector’s item, I suppose.
Although I understand the need of the super wealthy to collect rare objects – cars, art, jewels – this seems a bit excessive.
So, my question is:
Would you pay silly money for a collectable bottle of whisky?
I won’t.
I won’t pay millions for a whisky bottle or even an art masterpiece. Not because I am tight but because there is so much good one can do with the money.
What good, do you ask?
Here are some things I would do if I had £2.2 million to spend:
#1. Start a foundation for reducing inequality. Through educational and training opportunities, this foundation will fund local projects to reduce disparities.
#2. Create educational scholarships to top universities. I will fund scholarships for underprivileged students, covering tuition fees, books, and living expenses.
#3. Fund research in areas neglected by public funding. I will provide funding for research in diseases that are not a priority for us but, as we saw with COVID, could become so.
#4. Initiatives to alleviate homelessness. I will create or support programmes to provide housing, job training, and counselling for homeless people.
#5. Environmental conservation initiatives: Fund initiatives focused on wildlife conservation, reforestation, or reducing climate change.
#6. Supporting the elderly: I will develop or fund programmes that provide care, companionship, and activities for the elderly.
#7. Child welfare programmes: Support orphanages, provide foster care support, or fund programs for children with disabilities.
#8. Arts and culture promotion: Support local artists, fund art programs in schools, or sponsor public art installations.
#9. Animal welfare: Fund animal shelters, wildlife rehabilitation centres, or campaigns against animal cruelty.
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Given the wide choice of good £2 million can do, why would I spend money on a bottle of whisky (be it rare Macallan)?
And don’t tell me that wealthy people contribute to these causes; they don’t only spend money on frivolities. We can all do more!
Photo by Dylan de Jonge on Unsplash