9. Conspicuous Consumption
The Netherlands used to have a conservative religion that frowned upon anything materialistic. While the Dutch are far less Puritan these days, they consider anything which smacks of bling or conspicuous consumption as not classy. Where achievers used to pursue success for its material rewards and the power it brought, this is no longer as common. Indeed, few people who chase success for the money find satisfaction when they succeed.
In modern industries where achievers predominate, people pursue success for the love of technology or for the sheer love of the game. Their growing bank balance is a nice addition. However, if they manage it wisely, money can provide them with options not open to others. They have the capacity to live in another country, finance new business ventures or help others in a meaningful way.
Indeed, there are some people whose personal wealth far exceeds what any person can use in several lifetimes. Companies have fortunes and footprints around the world that make them more powerful than some countries. The possibilities for conspicuous consumption now exceed almost all history. And yet the continued success of these businesses and people depends in part on maintaining a low profile in terms of assets.
Conspicuous consumption these days is less of a problem with business leaders themselves. However, it is often more of a problem with their children, who are sometimes subject to reality TV shows about their over-the-top lifestyles. Since most of them earn more money by appearing in these TV shows, it seems the problem is not going away soon. But, as long as consumption exceeds production, they will be on the right side.