1) Are there any studies that support the "making people healthier would be a net loss to many societies" claim I keep seeing? It's one of those things that sounds like it makes sense, but no one really quotes any credible sources.
2) I would be utterly shocked if he did this to make himself popular in the US. You may put your own money elsewhere, but he's really a pretty smart dude who seems to do a great deal of research before making decisions. It's a little childish to write it off like that.
1) Those studies are very hard to do, because you can't set up control conditions. "A Farewell to Alms" by Clark has historical data which might be the closest thing to. For example, per capita income in Europe went way up after the Plague.
2) I don't think he is being uber-sneaky about this - I believe he has mostly intentions. But good intentions don't guarantee positive (or optimal) results.
I also think Gates wants to be respected by society, and before he started giving billions away his street-rep was of a geeky, conniving person. Now he is a Times person of the year and everyone loves him. You don't think he thought about that?
1) Are there any studies that support the "making people healthier would be a net loss to many societies" claim I keep seeing? It's one of those things that sounds like it makes sense, but no one really quotes any credible sources.
2) I would be utterly shocked if he did this to make himself popular in the US. You may put your own money elsewhere, but he's really a pretty smart dude who seems to do a great deal of research before making decisions. It's a little childish to write it off like that.