Cody Franchetti, Contemporary Aristocrat
A Model for the Man of Means
When thinking about living with wealth, one looks for models to emulate. Look no further than Baron Cody Franchetti, contemporary aristocrat.
But why look for a model to the illegitimate son of American wealth and Italian nobility?
After all, most modern men of means come by wealth through business, not birth.
Why? Because once one has wealth, the questions are the same. How should we - who have abundant resources, no necessity to work, high aspirations, and fine tastes - how should we live?
Cody Franchetti made his big splash into the public eye with Jamie Johnson’s 2003 documentary Born Rich. Of the ten heirs interviewed, Franchetti was the most unapologetic and the most philosophical. While, across Born Rich and follow-up The One Percent, footage of Franchetti totals only six minutes, he manages in that space completely to convey a rarely articulated and uniquely aristocratic philosophy of wealth, one from which every person of means can learn.
The rest of this essay provides a comprehensive survey of the publicly available information about Cody Franchetti, selected footage, and philosophical discussion of the content and implications of Franchetti’s philosophy. For those looking to join the exclusive club of wealthy philosophers, or to eavesdrop on their conversation and inner thoughts, nothing but the paywall - merely the dues of membership - prevents you from entering.
A brief taste:
“Guilt to me is idiotic…so I don’t feel bad for anything, especially having money. … It’s something that is, you know, basically for - for…old women and nuns.”