Under capitalism people's worth is calculated, not by their individual character, intellect, strength, talent, or even good looks, but exclusively by the size of their bank balance. Thus, Bernie Ecclestone, that well-known benefactor of New Labour, is "worth" £2.9 billion. Lord Sainsbury is "worth" £3 billion. And the Duke of Westminster is "worth" £4.7 billion.

A couple of years ago, the British television ITV 2 provided us with some interesting examples of how they spend the money that they extract from the surplus value produced by the labour of the working class. Here are some instances of the obscene luxury enjoyed by these worthy people:

  • A pair of shoes costing between three and four hundred pounds ($600 – $800)
  • A diamond studded brassiere costing £11 million ($22 million)
  • £20,000 ($40,000) is considered a reasonable price for a bottle of perfume (which means £50 a squirt), while £250,000 is a good price for a necklace
  • The chief of British Homestores held a birthday party that cost £5 million ($10 million)

As we know, the people who own and control Britain engage in hard work most of the year, like water skiing, horse-riding and shooting. A wealthy restauranteur Tony Allen, paid £10,000 for a shotgun to liquidate harmless pheasants.

But since champagne parties and grouse-shooting expeditions are extremely tiring, our wealthy friends need to take frequent holidays. Where might they go to rest their weary heads? How about a 10-bedroom villa in the Caribbean? It costs just £10,000 to hire – per night, that is.

But if that strikes you as too mundane, and you are a bit tired of the earth and all it has to offer, how about a trip to Mars? It appears that this will soon become a popular holiday destination, for those who an afford a mere £20 millions ($40 millions), which is a real bargain for those who want to get away from it all.

But these are really small fry when compared to their transatlantic brethren. Five year ago Bill Gates had a personal fortune of (as far as we are allowed to know) £37.5 billion (getting on for $80 billion), which means it would take him a thousand years just to count every dollar.

One of these gentlemen stated on the programme: "Happiness is not just about the cash." What a relief it is to know that the people who rule our lives and destinies are not only in it for the money!