富不过三代, do you agreed?

[MrAwesomeX]

[deepseek ai]:

3. Statistics & Studies​

• A UBS study (2023) found that only about 20% of family businesses survive past the third generation globally.
• In China, 90% of private enterprises are family-run, but many struggle with succession.

4. Exceptions & Counterexamples​

Some families defy the trend:

• The Rockefeller family (US) – Maintained wealth for over 6 generations through disciplined trusts.
• Li Ka-shing (Hong Kong) – Structured his empire to ensure smooth succession.
• European aristocrats – Some families (e.g., Rothschilds) preserved wealth for centuries.

Spoiler: full results

The saying **"富不过三代"** (Wealth does not pass three generations) is a common Chinese proverb reflecting the observation that family fortunes often decline by the third generation. But how true is this prediction in reality?

### **1. Historical & Cultural Basis**
The saying stems from traditional Chinese society, where wealth preservation was challenging due to:
- **Lack of financial systems** – No modern banking, trusts, or investment tools to protect wealth.
- **Confucian values** – Later generations might focus on scholarly pursuits rather than business, leading to mismanagement.
- **Division of wealth** – Inheritance was split among heirs, diluting family assets over time.

### **2. Modern Relevance**
While the proverb still holds some truth, modern financial systems and education have changed the dynamics:
**Wealth management tools** – Trust funds, estate planning, and professional advisors help preserve wealth.
**Globalization & diversification** – Wealthy families invest internationally, reducing risk.
**Stronger education** – Many affluent families now train heirs in finance and business.

However, challenges remain:
**Mismanagement & entitlement** – Spoiled heirs may squander wealth (e.g., luxury spending, bad investments).
**Family conflicts** – Disputes over inheritance can destroy fortunes.
**Economic shifts** – Market crashes, political changes, or industry disruptions can wipe out wealth.

### **3. Statistics & Studies**
- A **UBS study (2023)** found that **only about 20% of family businesses survive past the third generation** globally.
- In China, **90% of private enterprises are family-run**, but many struggle with succession.

### **4. Exceptions & Counterexamples**
Some families defy the trend:
- **The Rockefeller family (US)** – Maintained wealth for over 6 generations through disciplined trusts.
- **Li Ka-shing (Hong Kong)** – Structured his empire to ensure smooth succession.
- **European aristocrats** – Some families (e.g., Rothschilds) preserved wealth for centuries.

### **Conclusion**
The proverb **"富不过三代"** remains *partially true*—many families do lose wealth by the third generation due to poor planning, entitlement, or economic shifts. However, **with proper financial education, structured inheritance plans, and disciplined management, wealth can endure beyond three generations**.

Would you like insights on how to avoid this fate in family wealth planning?

Emperor nuture a crown prince for a reason .

If You no talent nor ability you probably wun stay very rich for long one .

 

[yildun]

The chances of having charsiew increase with more offsprings. A single piece of charsiew is able to squander a big amount of wealth.

 

[carlongerdidu93]

Successor (抓娃娃) 2024

 

[ZhuMingQiang]

Look at what happening to SG now

So many F&B and companies closing down and restructuring

Depends on the business or family values, etc.

 

[nachtsid.er]

你寒窗十年也敌不过别人三代经商

 

[zeebrugge]

我是穷要过三代了。
My grandfather was a poor bicycle repairman.
My dad was a poor welder.
I am now a poor son without much wealth.
No full time job, no wife, no offspring, no vehicle, no house, alot of things also no have.
Sigh.