Forbes, Billionaires, and the Nigerian Zoo: Wealth, Power, and Survival

Forbes, Billionaires, and the Nigerian Zoo: Wealth, Power, and Survival

You've probably heard people say, "The world's richest aren’t on Forbes." That statement, as catchy as it sounds, is a bit of a stretch. Anyone can claim to be wealthy while keeping their fortune locked up in their imagination. By that logic, I'm a billionaire too—just that my riches are safely stored in my mind, beyond Forbes' ability to measure.

The truth is, there’s nothing shameful about having your wealth recognized. In fact, most wealthy individuals secretly (or not-so-secretly) want to see their names on the Forbes list—even those with questionable sources of income. Politics, for instance, is a magnet for all sorts of money, legal or illegal, and that's because politics brings visibility and influence. If people involved in shady dealings still pursue politics for exposure, why would anyone shy away from being on Forbes—unless their money is so deeply buried in the mud that even a hint of exposure would be catastrophic?

That said, true wealth rarely stays silent. The moment it grows beyond one person and starts employing others, it inevitably leaves a footprint. Think about Pablo Escobar—did he ever make the Forbes list? Maybe, maybe not. But do people know his name? Absolutely. Wealth that shakes the world always leaves traces.

Forbes celebrates visible money—the kind built through industries, businesses, and innovations. It also highlights those who can pass down their money-making wisdom without guilt. And that’s what makes it a pretty reliable measure of real wealth.

Billionaires: The Two Classes of the Ultra-Wealthy

There are two main types of billionaires:

The Traditionalists – These ones inherited wealth or built their fortunes from fundamental industries like oil, gas, real estate, gold, and raw commodities. However, the only ones among them who break into the $100 billion+ club are those who continuously reinvent themselves.

The Visionaries – These are the idea-driven billionaires. They saw something the world didn’t, turned it from just a thought into a tangible product, and scaled it up. The tech billionaires fall into this group. Many of them didn’t start off rich—they just had the mental clarity to spot opportunities and the grit to make them happen.

The billionaires in the second group dominate the $100 billion+ club because their wealth isn’t tied to just physical assets but to intellectual property, which has unlimited scaling potential. Think about it—computers were once a crazy idea, then visionaries came along and pushed the boundaries with software, hardware, gaming, online interactions, fast internet, electric cars, and smart homes.

At its core, Forbes isn't just about flaunting wealth—it's about celebrating the genius behind it. That’s why the idea of some mysterious trillionaire lurking in the shadows doesn’t quite add up. True wealth isn’t just about money; it’s about the wisdom that comes with it.

The richest people aren’t necessarily the biggest spenders—they’re the ones who understand money the best. That’s why they multiply it effortlessly. And what’s the point of hoarding knowledge if it can transform the world?

Take Solomon, for example. He was insanely rich, but what has truly stood the test of time? Not his money, but the wisdom he left behind.

In the real world of finance, Forbes is an accurate representation of the wealthy elite. For other worlds? Well, that’s a different conversation entirely.

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Is Nigeria a Zoo? And If So, What Animal Are You?

The phrase “Nigeria is a zoo” sounds like a joke at first. But when you look at how things run, is it really that far from the truth?

In the animal kingdom, everything is driven by instinct. A hungry lion hunts; a satisfied lion ignores a gazelle walking past. Predators thrive by feeding on the weak, and survival is based on strength and cunning.

Now, let’s compare that to Nigeria.

Humans, like animals, have instincts, but what sets us apart is rational thought. We’re supposed to think beyond survival mode, yet how many Nigerians operate purely on logic and reason rather than instinct? When people act based on primal survival, where the strong feed on the weak, what does that make the society?A zoo.

Now, if Nigeria is a zoo, the next question is—what animal are you?

Every human has an animal instinct within them. Some are sly like a fox, others brave like a lion, gentle like a dove, or brutish like a bear. The key to true human development is recognizing and mastering these instincts.

David and Samson killed lions—not just physical ones, but the animal instincts within themselves. That’s what made them true rulers.

To rule over others, you must first rule over yourself. Mastering your instincts is what separates leaders from the masses.

So, is Nigeria a zoo? Maybe. But before you define the country, first ask yourself—what kind of animal are you in it?