Ahh, here we'll agree to disagree.
>>He could not control a compulsion to gamble--that's a lack of virtue.
Who said he could not control it?
>>but the loss of millions indicates an addiction.
Says who? Bill Gates? Warren Buffett?
>>Did he make any reference to his gambling problem in his "Virtue" books? If so, that qualifies as revelation to the public and in that case I would not be shocked.
He is an easily recognizable celebrity, and he gambled in a public place. Just because it wasn't in his books doesn't mean he tried to hide it.
>However, if he did not make one mention of this personal challenge in his life, it was either deception or denial.
I missed the part where he said this was a personal challenge. Did he ever say that? Is there any evidence that it's true?
Ann, you imposing your entertainment preferences and financial capacity on him. I fly to Vegas several times a year, and drive to Louisiana 3-4 times each month to play craps. I play with thousands of dollars, well within my means, and nobody would be deprived of anything if I would to lose it all. Am I addicted? No... it's how I choose to spend my free time and entertainment dollars. I don't consider it a "lack of virture" - it's my money, hard earned, and it's my choice how to spend it.
I get looks and comments from the $5 players, amazed that someone would gamble as much as I do. And, I sometimes see players gambling ten or twenty times what I do. What does the domination matter, as long as each gambles within his means? I would suggest that a $5 player gambling the milk money lacks far more virtue than one playing thousands of dollars that he'll never miss.
Some people drive Chevettes, others drive Mercedes. Some take the bus, while others charter a Lear. Some cut their grass, while others hire landscapers. Tell me.. which ones lack virtue? |
