The World Needs Your Great Work
This opinion piece argues that modern society, particularly the wealthy, has lost its sense of greatness and the drive to pursue unique, meaningful projects. Despite the rapid proliferation of family offices and a significant increase in billionaire status over the last decade, most private capital follows conventional playbooks like private equity or interchangeable philanthropy. The author contends that true 'great works'—projects reflecting a sponsor's unique perspective, passions, and values—are conspicuously missing from contemporary capitalism. Unlike standard investments, these works possess a distinct quality of heft and meaningfulness that inspires others. The article highlights rare contemporary examples, such as Nat Friedman’s PlasticList and Vesuvius Challenge, Stripe Press’s artisanal publishing, and the Berggruen Institute’s intellectual initiatives. These cases demonstrate how capital can be creatively deployed for public benefit beyond traditional market metrics. The text calls on holders of private wealth, who possess unprecedented freedom from corporate governance constraints, to reclaim this pursuit of greatness by commissioning projects that are uniquely their own, thereby raising societal aspirations and contributing distinct value to the world.
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The World Needs Your Great Work
This opinion piece argues that modern society, particularly the wealthy, has lost its sense of greatness and the drive to pursue unique, meaningful projects. Despite the rapid proliferation of family offices and a significant increase in billionaire status over the last decade, most private capital follows conventional playbooks like private equity or interchangeable philanthropy. The author contends that true 'great works'—projects reflecting a sponsor's unique perspective, passions, and values—are conspicuously missing from contemporary capitalism. Unlike standard investments, these works possess a distinct quality of heft and meaningfulness that inspires others. The article highlights rare contemporary examples, such as Nat Friedman’s PlasticList and Vesuvius Challenge, Stripe Press’s artisanal publishing, and the Berggruen Institute’s intellectual initiatives. These cases demonstrate how capital can be creatively deployed for public benefit beyond traditional market metrics. The text calls on holders of private wealth, who possess unprecedented freedom from corporate governance constraints, to reclaim this pursuit of greatness by commissioning projects that are uniquely their own, thereby raising societal aspirations and contributing distinct value to the world.
Palladium