Death, Sex & Money How the Ultra-Rich Think…and What They Fear
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Aug 5, 2025 
Evan Osnos, a Staff Writer at The New Yorker and author of 'The Haves and Have-Yachts', shares insights from his deep dive into the lives of the ultra-rich. He discusses their values, quirky fears, and the social dynamics of wealth, especially the duality of yachts as symbols of luxury and isolation. Osnos also reflects on the ethical dilemmas faced by wealthy families and their complicated relationships with societal responsibility, fame, and privacy. Get ready for a fascinating look at the mindset of the affluent elite.
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Wealth Insulates From Accountability
- The ultra-rich often feel insulated from accountability due to their wealth.
- This creates a dangerous detachment from consequences, shown by disregard for environmental damage.
Yachts Are Flaunting, Not Investing
- Mega yachts are terrible financial investments, costing about 10% of their purchase price annually to maintain.
- Their purchase serves as a signal of wealth rather than practical utility or profit.
Gettys Use Nevada Trusts to Avoid Taxes
- Getty family trusts are registered in Nevada to exploit permissive inheritance laws and minimize California taxes.
- Financial decisions happen in jurisdictions outside taxing states, exploiting legal loopholes extensively.
