Imagine yourself as a billionaire. Your bank account doesn’t just have $1 billion, it has several.

Even if you tried, you couldn’t spend it all. At least, unless you bought lots of really ridiculous things like multiple magic sets or a European principality.

So the question is, what do you do with your money now, and what happens to it when you die?

Bill Gates and Warren Buffett (of the multi-multi-billionaire group) have pledged along with others of their kind to give away at least half of their fortunes. In the cases of Gates and Buffett (G/B), both have said they will donate the majority of their wealth.

Beyond wanting to help others through direct donations, G/B have said they are against “dynastic wealth.” They argue there is no social benefit to having generations of people sustained by money they didn’t earn.

A few years ago I saw a town hall forum the two held at the University of Nebraska, which was broadcast on PBS. It’s a really interesting view into how two of the richest men in America view their fortunate lot in life and capitalism as a whole.

It was during that program that I first heard Gates talk about giving away most of his money. He said having billions in the bank would hurt his kids’ motivation to work for something of their own. Without that effort, society misses out on whatever innovation might have resulted.

The dynastic fortunes also serve to reinforce the divide between the haves and have-nots — a system that is further entrenched despite decreasing merit for each successive rich generation.

Before you feel too bad for the kids missing out on free money, remember that they are growing up in mansions, going to the best schools and having every opportunity to prepare for a successful future.

Of course, for most of us it wouldn’t be so bad to have a few billion lying around. These guys certainly have some ideas. (Note: the link has some language — as my friend Ralphie would say, the F dash dash dash word).