Study Finds Most People Don’t Want to Be Billionaires: Good News for the Planet

A new study from the University of Bath has revealed that most people around the world do not aspire to become billionaires, challenging the long-standing economic principle of “unlimited wants.” The research, which surveyed nearly 8,000 people in 33 countries on six continents, found that the majority of respondents believed they could live their best life with less than $10 million, and in some cases, even less than $1 million.

The study highlights the negative consequences of society’s obsession with unlimited wealth, including increased global pollution and the depletion of natural resources. Younger people and city-dwellers were found to be more likely to have unlimited wants, placing value on success, power, and independence. Countries with a greater acceptance of inequality and a more collectivistic mindset also tended to have residents who still saw unlimited wealth as the ultimate goal.

Lead researcher Dr. Paul Bain emphasized the importance of aligning one’s desires with genuine happiness and supporting policies that safeguard the planet. Co-author Dr. Renata Bongiorno suggested that policies such as a wealth tax to fund sustainability initiatives may be more popular than previously thought.

The findings, published in the journal Nature Sustainability, serve as a reminder that the majority view on wealth accumulation may not always be reflected in policy decisions. The study sheds light on the disconnect between societal expectations and individual desires, urging for a shift towards more moderate and sustainable aspirations.