Too much too young?

This month Hans Kristian Rausing (pictured, left), son of Britain's third richest man, was arrested on suspicion of possessing crack cocaine and heroin after his wife was allegedly caught trying to smuggle drugs into the American Embassy. The 44-year-old grandson of the Tetra Pak inventor is not the first big-name heir to tangle with controversy. The junkie 7th Marquess of Bristol, for example, served two prison terms for drugs offences and blew his entire £35 million fortune before his death at 44 in 1999. Another peer who inherited young and had his share of financial trouble was the infamous 7th Earl of Lucan. Further back, Beau Brummell came into the then substantial fortune of £20,000 while still at Eton in 1794, but died penniless in 1840 after decades of decadence.

Is coming into wealth young bound to lead to extreme behaviour? And, forgetting the super-rich, should "comfortable" parents help their grown-up children - onto the housing ladder, for instance?

Comments

[Rosie]

What about all the people who take drugs and don't have money....or is it that there are so many of them it is not newsworthy...and the children of the very rich who are normal (the majority) such as Richard Branson's children.

[Andrew Heath]

Interesting the ad hominem bitterness spewed back by such as SHANE and ENGLISHMAN at Americans who mention the British class system. Of course, it doesn't exist.....but I recall that Englishmen used to be able to take what they can dish out with some class (and humour).

[HermitMoney]

Being rich is ok, but having nothing to do in life will lead to trouble

[DAVID]

I once heard a tale of a young man about to leave home. His father being both wealthy and wise called for his son. This young man was expecting some money but instead his father sat him down and gave him three pieces of advice.
1) Never eat at a cafe called Mammas.
2) Never gamble with a man called Doc.
3)Never lay your head on the same pillow with a woman who has more problems than you.
Probably a greater benefit to most offspring than a wad of notes.

[Shane]

J Lee of the US, what has class system got to do with it? You appear to have a veiw of the UK based on a Charles Dickens novel. So folks in the US who have lots of money turn out just fine? I beg to differ: Britney Spears is just one example that springs to mind.

[Fergusson]

I volunteer to be the test case . . .

. . . give me US$100m and see if it changes me.

[basleigh]

There are so many crazy stories about inherited wealth. Howard Hughes takes first prize. But that could be more to do with fame and death syndrome. In business there is the upstart type like Alan Sugar or Rupert Murdoch who despite his various antagonists has proved to be a global player and become Citizen Kane by sheer ability. Free advertising?

[S.Ferguon]

Yes, I couldn't agree more. Over and again the adage "easy come easy go" proves to be corect. Furthermore, unearned money in a teenager's pocket is far more likely to be spent on drugs, alcohol etc, education will be at the end of the list......or not there at all.

[Mary]

Too much too young knows no international boundries. Take Paris Hilton...please! These people needs a job, responsibility, a reason to have to get up every day - like it or not - and do something other than lallygag about.

[Englishman]

Best not comment if you are that ignorent, J Lee. The idea that all Americans 'make their own way' is absurd. Look at dynasties like the Astors - and at your President

[J Lee]

Haha. Yes. This is what happens in a country with a class system. In the US we make our own way in life and most of us turn out just fine.

[James]

Yes, that is why children will be able to get hold of their child trust fund (raided from my taxes)at 18. Likw A&M trusts. So much for Gordon's prudence.

[e skelton]

I suspect that some of the people who regard wealth as an excuse for appalling behaviour feel differently about poverty.