If you call living in high class hotels reducing consumption then I totally agree with you, And they simply said he is letting his houses, cars... go, but they are not saying he is giving them away. Want to impress? Commit half of your fortune to charity NOW and the second half gradually for the next n years. 3 billion? End Malaria, Darfur or something. In my opinion having 3 Billion in the bank or tied up into businesses doesn't make you so different then having cars, houses and boats that are worth 3 billion.

giving away money doesn't solve problems. in the best case scenario it removes roadblocks to other people solving them. in the worst case scenario it is simply a stop gap that leaves the people you're trying to help in the exact same situation once the money runs out.

I think the point I was making that he isn't necessarily trying to impress. In my book, conspicuous consumption is wasteful, and making a stand against it is worthwhile.