Michael Lewis - "The givers and takers."

Michael Lewis, one of my favorite authors, with a fascinating article in the latest issue of The New Republic (attached; couldn't find it online) that covers a lot of topics: people who are givers vs. takers, billionaires, the problems of inequality, how the wealthy are less philanthropic, more likely to shoplift, etc. 

The problem is caused by the inequality itself: it triggers a chemical reaction in the privileged few. It tilts their brains. It causes them to be less likely to care about anyone but themselves or to experience the moral sentiments needed to be a decent citizen. Or even a happy one…a rich person getting even richer experiences zero gain in happiness…To the general rule that money, above a certain level, cannot buy happiness there is one exception. "While spending money upon oneself does nothing for one's happiness," says Norton, "spending it on others increases happiness."