Opinion pieces aren't usually my thing, but after watching "Rise of the Billionaires," I've got some thoughts bubbling up that I need to share. We all have our complexities, and I'm not about to pretend I can fully judge anyone's life or choices from afar. I'm certainly not in a position to cast the first stone.

What I'm seeing is this intense wave of negativity directed at the ultra-wealthy. The scrutiny is relentless: "How can anyone amass such fortunes while the world grapples with war, hunger, and homelessness? They should just give it all away!" I get the sentiment, I truly do.

But let's flip the script for a moment. If you possessed the drive to work tirelessly, the vision to create something truly world-changing, something that benefits humanity on a grand scale, wouldn't you pursue it? And more importantly, wouldn't you expect to be compensated for that monumental effort and innovation? The question we should all ask ourselves is this: if we were in their shoes, would we be so quick to relinquish that wealth? Honestly, I doubt it. We often project an idealized version of generosity onto others, a standard we ourselves might struggle to meet.

I try to stay informed, perhaps more than is good for me. And as someone who generally sees things in black and white, I find myself surprisingly in the gray area here. Who am I to judge these individuals? I have no authority, no official mandate to do so. And should I impose my opinions on others? Absolutely not. We all navigate the world through our own unique lenses.

The final thought in the series resonated deeply: something about these billionaires looking for a place beyond Earth. Honestly, if I had the means to leave this planet and reside elsewhere, I'd be packing my bags! Humanity can be utterly baffling.

I'm not painting these billionaires as saints. They've undoubtedly made their own messes, because guess what? People err. And like any tool or invention, their creations – while capable of immense good – can also be misused. Yet, these individuals who relentlessly pursued change have also generated countless jobs and opportunities globally. Many started from humble beginnings, and we've witnessed their ascent. What I struggle to comprehend is why everyone, not just the ultra-rich, is held to such impossibly high standards and expected to shoulder responsibilities that aren't inherently theirs. Why aren't we, the self-proclaimed "idealists," "activists," and "all-around good people," taking more direct action ourselves?

Big corporations often tout their CSR initiatives (a topic I plan to explore in depth), emphasizing "responsible" corporate behavior. But I don't believe one person should bear the brunt of blame simply for creating something we use daily, even if others then exploit it for their own selfish purposes.

Consider this on a smaller scale in our daily lives. The constant hunger for sensational news, the gossip, the scandals – people profit from them. It's like giving someone a phone and then blaming the creator when that person uses it to make nuisance calls. And the demand for these powerful figures to "step down" – as if the masses have some inherent right to dictate their lives. Those who have stepped back often did so because their privacy was relentlessly invaded, often fueled by individuals who inflated their own importance and started movements, only to be surprised and upset when they faced consequences for their actions. It simply doesn't compute for me.

Something else I've observed is this almost obsessive public fascination with the personal lives of these high-profile individuals. It's as if their primary value lies not in their groundbreaking innovations or the jobs they've created, but in who they are currently dating, the number of divorces they've weathered, and any whiff of scandal or infidelity. It can feel like: "I resent you for your wealth, and if I can't marry into it, I'll exploit your public image for my own gain." Because let's face it, these individuals had an idea, dared to fail, persevered, and achieved success despite the "masses" who might not have. It sounds like a rant, I know, but this is how it connects in my mind.

I want to understand their journey, their vision, the positive changes they brought about, and how they overcame obstacles – not just the tabloid fodder of divorces and private islands. If any of us had that kind of money, wouldn't we seek a comfortable life for ourselves? Nobody wants to live in squalor just to appease others. Hence the rise of influencers – we all desire things and we wouldn’t be praised for it when living under the public eye, cause everyone else wants it but can’t “yet” get it.

My advice? They don't need good PR; they need a good RISK assessment! Someone needs to SWOT everything around them – the people, their thoughts, even the air they breathe – sarcasm intended, because I think people need to chill. Those behind such series or relevant news outlets, if they made a mistake, they should be given the opportunity to correct their action, like what happened with Mark, and not be hounded by a snooty reporter asking, 'You're not stepping down?' As I mentioned, I expose myself to a lot of news – I call it 'social work' where I dissect the behaviour of individuals in comparison to the news (I sometimes have a lot of free time), but the same happens to some famous sports figures; if you know, you know, and this can be easily traced. The minute you are successful or at the head of a successful brand you helped create, they dig into your personal life, come after your beliefs, accuse you of many things you had no idea about, and demand you 'step down.