Greed, selfishness and self-interest are the most common faults in humans.
Throughout the history of mankind, there have been many famous people who, despite their greatness, were very greedy and insatiable.
Some were overcome by real bouts of greed, and they forgot one simple fact that life on this earth is not eternal.
Let's take a look at the most greedy people in history.
Mark Licinius Crassus
(115 or 114 - May 53 BC)
While still young, he was obsessed with wealth, which eventually became his main character trait. He rented land and bought slaves simply to resell them later. Due to the difficult situation in Rome, related to the provision of housing for all in need, Crassus enriched himself.
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Ancient Rome was overcrowded and houses were at great risk of fire. A fire in one of the houses could destroy an entire block. This situation allowed speculation, and Crassus organized teams of firefighters who saved houses from fire. After that, he bought a partially burnt house for a small price, carried out minor repairs and rented it out.
Greed for profit ruined him. Crassus was killed during the destructive hostilities when he wanted to conquer the Parthian kingdom, which was famous for its riches. After death, molten gold was poured into his mouth as a symbol of his greed.
Cixi, Great Empress of Qing China
(1835-1908)
Despite starting her career as a Concubine of Emperor Yizhu, she managed to become the regent of the Chinese empire and rule for almost 50 years.
Some historians consider her a cruel dictator who killed many people who, in her opinion, could threaten her power, while in the opinion of others she was benevolent and considerate of those around her.
She is said to have kept 3,000 boxes of her jewelry and used money from the Chinese navy to build the Marble Boat, where she dined using golden sticks. Cixi used her power to amass vast amounts of jewelry, antiques, gold bars, and money. She spent a large amount of money from the treasury on herself.
Henrietta Howland "Getty" Green or The Witch of Wall Street
(1834 - 1916)
Henrietta Howland Green was a genius financier of the 20th century. She lived in the United States, and after her death in 1916, she left more than $ 100 million (today this is equivalent to $ 20 billion). During her lifetime, she heated oatmeal on a radiator, because she did not want to spend extra money on using the stove.
Almost all her life, she lived in rented apartments, and the cheapest, moreover, she was the owner of entire neighborhoods in Chicago.
However, the most "striking" example of her greed can be considered the case when her son had to amputate his leg due to the fact that she was looking for a free hospital for 3 days. When she was 82 years old, Henrietta literally took a hit after learning that her cook had paid more than she needed for a bottle of milk.
John Paul Getty
(1892 - 1976)
As an oil tycoon and one of the richest men in the United States in the mid-20th century, John Paul Getty always wore the cheapest suits. Moreover, he did not even want to spend money on an iron to iron his things.
In his house, he saved on everything. It is also worth noting that he decided to install pay phones (street pay phones) in his own mansion, as he was afraid that his guests talk too much on the phone, which is why he has to pay large bills.
Perhaps the most famous example of greed happened to him when his grandson was kidnapped. The robbers demanded a $ 17 million ransom from John Paul Getty. He categorically refused, as he believed that he had many grandchildren, but there is never a lot of money. After a while, he was sent a parcel containing an ear and a lock of his grandson's hair. The robbers said they would send John his grandson piece by piece if he didn't pay.
As a result, he paid the robbers less than 3 million, and they released the young man. And even despite the fact that Paul Getty achieved the release of his grandson, due to his injuries, the grandson became very ill, went blind, numb and eventually died in a wheelchair.
Ingvar Kamprad
(March 30, 1926 -)
The founder of IKEA started earning his first money in elementary school. Ingvar bought pencils and erasers in bulk, and sold them at exorbitant prices to his classmates. Today his fortune is estimated at $ 28 billion.
Ingvar Kamprad loved to eat at inexpensive restaurants, fly like an ordinary passenger in economy class, travel around the city by public transport and stay in inexpensive three-star hotels.
Employees at his company are required to use writing paper on both sides. All furniture in his house is from IKEA, except for his favorite chair, which is over 30 years old.