This is dead on. I had a summer internship with a prestigious law firm. During the initial meet and greet between the interns and partners, one of my fellow interns admitted to not working after college in favor of "just traveling the world, surfing." To my shock, the partner was impressed by this answer. I was dumbfounded.
(PROTIP: usually "traveling the world surfing" is only possible if you are independently wealthy or willing to live like a hobo).
"traveling the world surfing" is within the reach of anyone who can afford the initial airfare, provided it's to somewhere you can live cheaply and survive on odd jobs. Think Morocco not Maui, Indo not California. There is a happy medium between 5 star hotels and living like a hobo...
I am not particularly impressed with people who, by virtue of being born into money, spend years of their lives engaged in various unproductive pursuits.
I do find it interesting that someone named johngalt would be impressed by someone living the benefits of unearned wealth. Perhaps you should have adopted a more appropriate username. Were philiprearden and jamestaggart taken?
While it's not what I would choose for my kids, the money isn't uneared. His parents or ancestors earned it and spending it on him is what they want to do. It's not like he took it from them by force? FYI, objectivists are also allowed to buy birthday presents for their toddlers.
Do I find the idea of traveling the world and surfing interesting? Yes I do. Would I consider that adequate job experience? Not at all.
Remove the chip from your shoulder. Someone who wasn't you was able to do something fun. Don't be jealous of that.
(PROTIP: usually "traveling the world surfing" is only possible if you are independently wealthy or willing to live like a hobo).