I’m delighted to let all of you know that the second video I did with Tom Miler of M Publishing in Poland is now online. (Some of you have already seen the video and congratulated me. Thank you again.) Here’s the link: https://youtu.be/RGjVyxxFHVM Among other things, Tom and I discuss the concept of having a … More Old Money Video #2
A Gentleman in Moscow, by Amor Towles. The novel has subsequently been adapted for the screen, premiering March 29, I believe, on Paramount+/Showtime, and Canal Plus for those of us living in France. I will finish the book before watching Mr. Ewan McGregor in the lead role. The story follows the life of a Russian … More What I’m Reading Now
I’m always inspired by articulate, informed, and enlightening writing, especially when we’re talking Old Money and its values. Lady Colin Campbell, aka Georgia Arianna, is an author, television personality, and socialite, is probably as qualified as anyone to comment on the subject, and the excerpt below testifies to that. Serena, one of our loyal and … More Lady Colin Campbell Talks Old Money
It is not uncommon to read about the fading influence or outright disappearance of the White Anglo Saxon Protestant (WASP) in public life. The acronym is now archaic (WASP values, habits, and lifestyle are less often referred to in terms of ethnicity and religious denomination and more often referred to now in terms of ‘preppy’ … More The Death of the WASP
I am busy watching a Netflix documentary on Liliane Bettencourt, the heiress to the L’Oréal fortune and someone who is described as the richest woman in the world. Early on in the first episode they state that Madame Bettencourt is worth thirty billion Euros. Quite obviously, a very considerable sum. They also mention, and simulate … More From David, Our Foreign Correspondent
The media has been abuzz in recent months breathlessly detailing the impact that private jets and super yachts have on the environment. Here’s an ARTICLE from The Guardian. While I don’t disagree with the data and the argument that ‘the Rich’ dump more than their unfair share of carbon emissions into the atmosphere and consequently … More A Very Personal Solution to the Climate Crisis
During my book tour in Poland last month, I had the wonderful opportunity to sit down with my publisher, Tom Miler, and discuss the fundamentals of the Old Money philosophy on camera. We also talked about how these principles play out in the real world and our shared experiences about how the Core Values of … More The Old Money Conversation
With the new year upon us and new year’s resolutions kicking in–or fading away–I think it’s important to remind ourselves that there is usually a cost (or two or three) associated with making a commitment. This is concept is commonly known as ‘the price you pay’ for making a certain choice: the freedom you give … More The Costs of Commitment
Apologies for the radio silence. The internet connection at Downton Shabby has been intermittent at best and nonexistent at worst for the past three months. Recently, I tried to write a blog post on my mobile phone. This exercise was beyond cumbersome and quickly ended in frustration. So now, while the connection is holding, if … More The Old Money Book…Now in Polish!
As the new year begins, we inevitably consider changes we can make in order to improve our lives in the 12 months that follow. One strategy I’d like to introduce is one of ‘participation’. If we choose, we can consciously elect to participate in something…or not participate in something. The subjects of such contemplation can … More Participation