Several billion would be good. I'd probably invest most of it, some in stocks, and possibly I'd get into some venture capitalism. That way, I can ensure that the money is getting some work done and not just sitting around. I do think the rich have a responsibility to continually seek to expand and enlarge their ventures, and invest everywhere they can, thereby creating opportunities for others. I'd likely set up competitive grant and scholarship funds as well. I'd buy my sister a nice house and set up a college fund for her daughter, because I don't trust her and her boyfriend to provide my niece with a good life. I think I'd donate to the Agora Project, too, because it seems like an idea I could get behind. The last thing I know I would do is patronize artists, in particular friends of mine whom I know have great talent, but are afraid to pursue their artistic dreams because it isn't likely to make them much money. I'd definitely bankroll my ex-girlfriend's documentary film project about the evolution of socioeconomic conditions in New York City.
After that, I'm not sure what I would need for personal use. The only extravagant thing I would likely do is build myself a basketball gym, possibly an indoor track, and buy a couple sports cars, a small single-engine plane, and two boats: one with sails, and one without. I wouldn't need a particularly large house; something isolated and coastal would do. I'd like to have a house custom-built and I'd like to take some part in both the design and building of it. I'd continue my education and probably become a part-time professor, not bothering to seek tenure anywhere, and I'd spend the bulk of my time writing novels - along with boating, flying, and driving my fast cars.
