>>>What a good point. If one thinks government assistance encourages people to not work or help themselves, why wouldn't inheriting a fortune have the same effect?
>>>
>>Warren Buffet thinks it does.
>>His will leaves each of his several children a nominal amount (tiny in comparison to his fortune) and donates the rest to the Bill and Melinda Gates foundation.
>
>And, IIRC, the Gateses, as well, have said their kids will inherit only a small fortune, not the whole pile.
>
>Tamar

I think you have a more philanthropic breed of rich in the US. We had it in the UK in the past .Thing like the rowntree foundation. Now the wealthy seem to want to see who can get the biggest yacht/house and most cars and charitable donations are relatively small..