Liza Shashenkova’s Reviews > The Haves and Have-Yachts: Dispatches on the Ultrarich > Status Update

I now understand why the ratings for this book may not be sky-high. There is one utterly useless chapter, full of name-dropping and cultural references that only really land if you were born or raised in America. I found it far from illuminating. The following chapter on the Getty fortune restored my interest, offering a fascinating glimpse into wealth management and the psychology underpinning generational wealth.

I don’t know how this author managed to get an interview with Mark Zuckerberg, but it’s interesting. If you are looking for great easy breezy non-fiction for the pool this August, this is your book!

This raises an ethical question that has always bothered me when it comes to billionaires: Why invest in running away and hiding in these elite shelters in the case of civil unrest/a collapse of society when you are literally that 1% that has the power to solve problems and contribute to SDG (Sustainable Development Goals)?

So far, I don’t know why this book isn’t given more credit. Billionaire survivalists are unexpectedly fascinating creatures. Yachts aside, we have the them quietly prepare for institutional collapse with bunkers, islands and escape plans. Far from sensationalist, it leaves you wondering whether they’re irrational… or indeed cautious of civil unrest which is becoming more of a reality.

Behold the ultimate depreciating asset class a billionaire never knew he needed! In a world in turmoil, it is hard to justify spending obscene amounts on something so expensive to maintain and used purely for leisure. Anticipating the book explores the psychology, habits and delusions of the people who increasingly shape the world.