Right, I agree - providing for our loved ones is HUGE. There is nothing more important than your loved ones. But what I am saying is contribution is also important, no as, but it is. Just think.. you're in retirement looking back on your life - you're going to ask yourself "What did I contribute?" Well, you contributed everything to your family of course. But will that alone settle your issue? Well... I don't know. Will it? It depends on who you are I guess. But... I think if I was in this position... I personally would always wonder if my family would have loved me that much more if I would have done something big with my life. If my wife would have admired me that much more if I would have had the ambition and want to do something good for others. Something that was in need, something unselfish. This is one thing I am sure I don't want to ever worry about.
There is nothing more important than what you do for your family. If you let them down they will pay the price for your failure, big time. Maybe more than they can afford.
Well here is my take on this. One must be somewhat well rounded. If I traded every day, made a lot of money, and just indulged myself with an expensive lifestyle, then I would have to say, yes, I have not contributed to the greater good. But doing for ones loved ones is an important part of life. And yet, that too is in some way (arguably) still a somewhat selfish way of life if you do not expand beyond that. But there is so much opportunity to do good either directly with efforts, or indirectly with financial participation. I got into something in the Chit Chat forums one day. It was then that I realized that arguing is futile here. (Daniel_M should remember). But in that (hopefully my last "argument"), I talked about how I always made a contribution to a particular international civil rights group. I did not mention that I also have participated in helping to raise money for the group. So in my way, that is one of the pet causes I believe I can help with, and makes me feel better about myself. Now I don't presume to say that charitable donations or community service participation justifies any "lack of contributing to society". But we just are a PART of society. And it is not our responsibility necessarily to make the world a better place in a noticeable way. It is only our responsibility to not add to the problems. If we can help with solutions, well that is great. But we cannot beat ourselves up if we are doing what makes us happy and at the same time can support ourselves and our families doing it. If you want to do something for the greater good, you can always run for political office. Or help others. Even if it is in something so trivial as trying to relay information or knowledge on some traders' bulletin board. Or making people laugh. Which is always a great thing! Oh, and as far as Williams question.....doing something "big" with one's life is very subjective. But having loved ones, loving and being loved and raising children and just being a responsible and law abiding citizen and member of your community IS a big thing. I have an acquaintance who is a US Representative. He has aspirations to run for Governor. Maybe someday national office. I believe in his ideals, and I admire him greatly. But in truth, how many of us can really have a world (or even congressional district) impact? I also have a very close friend who is a "movie star" with an Oscar and a lot of nominations. Every single one of you here would know who she is. Now she has provided entertainment for millions of people. But does she do it for the greater good? I don't think so. She does it for herself. And her family. What is "big"? We can only judge ourselves. Doing the right thing, being kind and considerate and honest is what gets you into heaven (if there is such a thing or place). And enjoying life....that counts big time. If you have a positive approach to life, it positively affects those you touch. And that makes an impact. That is as "big" as any of us needs to strive for. Peace, love, harmony, music, and smooth sailing to all, Rs7
I don't think so. I have a dubious 'honor' of having known quite a few 'big timers'.. The only innate 'talent' they appear to have in common is the complete lack of concern for the legal consequances of their actions. All the rest can be learnt. I think someone that can 'make it' as a trader or salesman/business will have developed the kind of tenacity required to be a top level crim. The thing is, why the fuck would you want to? Making money legally is just as hard/easy as doing it illegallly.
Hard to make money illegally.... Don't tell that to the Dealers and Smugglers that spoke no english and were making money hand over fist back in the 80's.....
I don't want to argue unnecessarily, but I simply don't understand the logic behind this self flagellation based on occupational choice. Again I ask, aren't liquidity and risk transference valuable services? And just what service does the average joe with the average job provide anyhow? Would you feel more upstanding if you were a vacuum cleaner salesman, or a dog groomer, or a car insurance claims adjuster, or the CFO of a shampoo company? I wouldn't. Nothing wrong with those jobs, but nothing wrong with trading either. Assuming your job is not morally tainted, contributions to society are more defined by your extracurricular actions within society itself than your means of attaining capital. There are good men and bad men in all manner of hohum jobs and most of the time those occupations are just a way to get the bills paid (and have some fun if you pick a career you enjoy).
liquidity and price discovery make free enterprise fair and efficient. Not perfect. If you don't get it, you really should do something else.
Right on dude! Liquidity and risk transference are HUGE services. We traders help lubricate the wheels of capitalism. Perhaps William doesn't feel that his work has made a positive contribution because, unlike the dog groomer, who witnesses first hand the satisfaction of his customer, the specific beneficiaries of our services are difficult to pinpoint.