Davos, Switzerland (The Top of the Mountain)
I Explained Money to the Richest People in the Snow
Every January the world's billionaires meet on a mountain in Switzerland to talk about money. This year they brought in an expert.
Every January, the richest people in the world go up a mountain in Switzerland to talk about money. Private jets. Fur hats. Little badges on lanyards. And every year they get it wrong, because I’m not there. This year I was there.
Day One
Snow everywhere. I wore my best boots, the tall ones. Walking on ice in tall boots is the hardest thing a man can do, and I did it beautifully. Mostly.
A banker asked me the secret of money. I said, “Have more of it.” He wrote it down. They’ll be teaching that in schools.
Day Two
My speech. They gave me forty-five minutes. I took seventy. When you’re this good, people don’t want you to stop. A few of them left, to make room for the people who wanted to stay.
Day Three
I made an offer on the mountain. They said Switzerland doesn’t sell mountains. Everybody sells mountains. They just haven’t met the right buyer yet. I left my card at the front desk, in case the mountain changes its mind.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the meeting on a mountain?
So the money stays cold. Money keeps better in the cold.
Did anyone learn anything?
Everyone learned that I talk longer than the schedule. That's a lesson.