Most people who randomly get a windfall of money were previously poor.  If you’re poor and suddenly get lots of money, you most probably can’t handle it; “<i>#4. Extra Money Has to Be Spent Right Goddamn Now!</i>”: <a href="http:&#x2F;&#x2F;www.cracked.com&#x2F;blog&#x2F;the-5-stupidest-habits-you-develop-growing-up-poor&#x2F;" rel="nofollow">http:&#x2F;&#x2F;www.cracked.com&#x2F;blog&#x2F;the-5-stupidest-habits-you-devel...</a><p>MacArthur winners have two advantages: First, they are probably good at something, and therefore are likely not poor.  Secondly, even if they <i>are</i> poor, they are probably <i>very</i> focused on their thing which made them get the prize, and any money goes to <i>their thing</i>, not to themselves, which makes most people a little more rational when deciding things.