*note: I might be biased personally since I am only 3 years out of college from my master degree
From experience working at a corporation, about 80% of the younger programmers I have met are great but only about 30% of the older ones I have met are of the same skill level or dedication.
The reason for this is probably varied, but there are reasons certain stereotypes exists. It might be politically correct to say otherwise.
I don't think out of school, I became a much better programmer in my years of work, however I acquired a lot of professional skills in communication and leadership. (and a large increase in salary) People should be aware that's what they are paying for in a older programmer and not better programming.
I think pure computer learning is not the most effective way. Since there are often "hurdles" when learning that takes in depth explanation from another person.
However, if augmented by "office hours" for students, this could be a great way to learn. It will be great preparation for college where students don't attend class and read the power points after.
Someone who inherits 10M and has no skills in investing the money will lose it soon anyways. If you look at the fortune 400, most people who got there did it because of their personal skills. (Except for the Walmart family) It is not the American system but personal ingenuity that allows people to accumulate wealth.
It would be interesting to look at the wealth distribution of more socialist oriented countries and their GDP to see which system is more effective.
On the other topic, starting a successful corporation could generate thousands of jobs and while one charity worker's cause is noble, a very wealthy person's charity donation per year would exceed the value provided by any single person.
Instead of various weird ways of stimulating the economy such as "cash for clunkers" the US would be wise to imitate this initiative to create new businesses during a economic downturn.
There is a thin line between motivation and obsession. Both are representations of passion.
While the above comment might portray getting a billion dollars as an out of perspective goal. I feel admiration for people that does not quit just because they have been successful in some stage in their life.
If the topic was about knowledge, can you ever become satisfied with your knowledge and cease to learn more?