Slate Money Money Talks: Money is One Hell of A Drug
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Jun 24, 2025 James Frey, acclaimed author of 'Next to Heaven' and a Hollywood veteran, explores the intense allure of money and its addictive qualities. He shares insights from his experiences with the ultra-rich, discussing the psychological implications of wealth and how it affects personal worth. The conversation touches on the paradox of wealth, contrasting the lavish lifestyles of the rich with the struggles of the less privileged. Frey’s satirical take on extreme wealth raises ethical questions about society's views on financial success.
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Money as an Addictive Drug
- Money functions like a powerful and addictive drug with destructive consequences.
- James Frey views the obsession with accumulating wealth as a societal sickness.
Billionaires' Insatiable Drive
- Billionaires endlessly crave more money, driven by deep psychological needs.
- This relentless desire parallels addiction and stems from a childhood need for approval and power.
Million-Dollar Toddler Party
- A billionaire threw a $1 million birthday party for his two-year-old daughter, with extravagant entertainment.
- When asked why so much was spent, he simply responded: "What else am I going to do?"
