American entrepreneur and computer scientist Paul Graham recently sparked a debate on X (formerly Twitter) after he posted about his experience at a school bake sale. He is said to have a net worth of over a billion dollars. In the now-viral post, he reveals that the sale was being helmed by 7-year-old children. After purchasing an item, he requested them to give him his change back. However, they refused to do so because they said it was meant for charity. The caption of the post read, "At the school bake sale, I bought a baked good of indeterminate type from a pair of 7-year-olds. I asked if they could give me change for 5 pounds. They said they couldn't. I pointed to their tub of coins, but they said they couldn't give me any of that, because it was for charity."
At the school bake sale I bought a baked good of indeterminate type from a pair of 7 year olds. I asked if they could give me change for £5. They said they couldn't. I pointed to their tub of coins, but they said they couldn't give me any of that, because it was for charity.
— Paul Graham (@paulg) January 24, 2025
The post has clocked 1.2 million views so far on X. It has sparked a range of reactions in the comments. Several people praised the business acumen of the children in keeping the change. A few claimed that the students knew Paul could "afford" it. Some criticised Paul for even asking for change at a charity sale. Read the selected reactions below:
"Seems like a ploy by the elites to impose cashless even at school bake sales. Get to the important point please: was the pastry good or was it a regretful purchase?"
Seems like a ploy by the elites to impose cashless even at school bake sales. Get to the important point please: was the pastry good or was it a regretful purchase?— P.B. (@ruysbroek) January 24, 2025
"Deflect from offering change, guilt the customer to oblige. Sounds like smart business to me."
deflect from offering change, guilt the customer to oblige.
sounds like smart business to me.— V (@V727) January 24, 2025
"Why would you demand change at a charity event?"
Why would you demand change at a charity event?— Dr. Simon Hundeshagen (@shundeshagen) January 24, 2025
"My net worth is roughly one tenth of one percent of Paul's and I wouldn't imagine even considering the audacity of asking for change at a kids charity bake sale."
My net worth is roughly one tenth of one percent of Paul's and I wouldn't imagine even considering the audacity of asking for change at a kids charity bake sale.— Zac Wasielewski (@xac) January 24, 2025
"7 year olds are incredible negotiators, they don't adhere to the logic of our world."
7 year olds are incredible negotiators, they don't adhere to the logic of our world.— Wayne Allan (@xWayfinder) January 24, 2025
Recently, a food-related post by another prominent American tech personality went viral on X. Elon Musk took to the platform to declare his love for Diet Coke and how he felt after reducing its intake. Click here to read the full story.
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