"I am one of the richest people who ever lived.

"This is intended for Americans and Western Europeans of middle class or higher, who are among the richest one tenth of one percent of all human beings who have ever lived. Obviously, this wealth can't be measured in dollars or deutsche marks, but it can be measured in terms of freedom from pain and illness; a long life; access to recreation, leisure, art, and knowledge; survival and health of children; physical comfort; and so on. How often do middle-class people reflect upon this?"