There are many ways to come into a large amount of money. The most common is by inheritance. Literally millions of Americans and thousands of Napa Valley residents will be inheriting significant assets in the near future from aging parents and others.

As I continue my extended stay in Japan, I’m struck anew by the contradictions that run through Japan society. Though I’m a big fan of Japan’s group-identity orientation that plays such an important role in its low crime rates, and remain impressed by the Japanese adherence to teamwork, company loyalty, and just plain good manners on a society-wide basis, I’m keenly aware that these wholesome tendencies underwrite a tedious “groupthink” and a near-total surrender of democratic principles.