Why can't Chinese people stay rich for more than three generations? The founder of Tron revealed the harsh truth 9 years ago: it's not a money problem.

"Why can't Chinese people get rich? Even if they do, why can't they be wealthier than three generations?" — This question, which has troubled countless entrepreneurs and economists, was addressed with a disturbing yet penetrating answer by the founder of Tron in a lecture nine years ago. This entrepreneur believes that the root of the problem is not merely economic or business capability, but rather structural defects deeply embedded in culture, institutions, and social values.

From 'Sex and Power' to 'Money and Freedom' Era Transformation

The founder pointed out that Chinese society is undergoing a profound logical transformation: transitioning from a traditional structure centered on family, blood ties, and power to a modern structure leveraged by individuals, abilities, and networks.

He quoted Wilde's famous saying: "Everything in the world is about sex, except sex; sex is about power," and extended it into a new age version: "Everything in the world is about money, except money; money is about freedom."

In the past, resource allocation and social status often depended on birth and lineage; in the new era, money has become the core standard for measuring ability and freedom. This shift means that the ability to adapt to an "individual-based" economic and social structure will determine the direction of wealth in the next two to three decades.

Why can't Chinese wealth last beyond three generations?

Compared to family businesses in Europe, America, and Japan that often last for ten generations or even over a thousand years, wealthy families in China often struggle to survive beyond the third generation.

The founder of Tron believes that the core reason lies in the overall lack of a sense of sanctity and institutional protection for wealth and property rights in society.

In China, wealth is often seen as "original sin"; the rich need to justify "why they are wealthy" rather than being encouraged to protect and pass on their wealth. This value system leads to wealth being wiped out time and again during political turmoil and social upheaval, and even life itself becomes difficult to safeguard.

He bluntly said: "On this land, once you become wealthy, it is lucky if you can ensure three generations die a good death."

The Deep Roots of Culture and Institutions

Lack of boundary awareness: Many people cannot distinguish between personal and family property boundaries, and even among close relatives, they are accustomed to "naturally occupying" what belongs to others. This logic extends to the societal level, evolving into a disregard for the property rights of strangers.

Insufficient protection of human rights and property rights: In the West, property rights are as sacred as the right to life; in China, violations of property rights are often downplayed and even moralized.

Moral Kidnapping and Value Misalignment: Public opinion easily elevates trivial matters to moral judgments, while lacking sufficient condemnation for actual property infringement and contract violations.

Lack of trust culture: The Western trust system ensures the intergenerational transfer of wealth, while in China, "trust" is more often regarded as a financial product, lacking a true legal and cultural foundation.

International Comparison and Insights

In Europe and America, wealth is seen as a reward for hard work and value creation, and protecting property rights is a social consensus; in China, however, wealth is often viewed as a result that requires "repentance."

The founder of Tron believes that if this value system does not change, it will be difficult for China to form a stable environment for wealth inheritance. A true breakthrough must start from respecting individual rights, establishing clear boundaries, and strengthening property rights protection.

He emphasized: "When a society allows the poor to become wealthy through hard work and enables the rich to pass on their wealth with peace of mind, that country can be considered truly prosperous."

Conclusion

"The saying 'wealth does not last beyond three generations' is not a fate in China, but rather the result of cultural and institutional choices. Only when society fundamentally recognizes and protects individual property rights, viewing wealth as a symbol of value creation rather than original sin, can China hope to see truly century-old families and enduring enterprises. For everyone who yearns for financial freedom, understanding and adapting to this transformation from 'sex and power' to 'money and freedom' may be the first step in breaking the cycle of fate."