In various internet forums, a curious phrase is repeatedly sprouted out: ‘Billionaires are building bunkers.’
But why are the mega-rich urgently building bunkers rumored to be like a sprawling mansion with every modern facility possible?
There seem to be various reasons, each more eyebrow-raising than the previous one.
Billionaires like Mark Zuckerberg are building underground shelters or doomsday bunkers to prepare for extreme crises like pandemics, wars, or zombie apocalypses. But these underground bunkers also protect rare art or car collections, offer secure spaces for sensitive business meetings, and serve as luxurious extensions to existing properties.
Explained: Why Are Billionaires Rushing to Build Bunkers?
Recent reports have sparked interest in the construction of billionaire doomsday bunkers, particularly in the case of Meta chief Mark Zuckerberg’s venture on Hawaii’s Kauai island.
As Wired reports, for nearly a decade, Zuckerberg has acquired land on the island for a massive 1,400-acre compound featuring mansions, underground tunnels, and treehouses.
At the heart of this $270 million project lies a 5,000 sq. ft underground shelter with independent energy and food supplies.
The Zuckerberg mansion’s lavish features encompass numerous bathrooms, bedrooms, guest houses, and a network of treehouses connected by rope bridges.
It prioritizes self-sufficiency and security, boasting of blast-resistant doors, surveillance cameras, soundproofing, keypad locks, and even a hidden door in the library.
The land purchase alone amounted to an estimated $170 million, underscoring Zuckerberg’s substantial investment in establishing a fortified family residence.
While the compound’s true purpose remains speculative, the presence of an underground bunker and preparations for self-sufficiency hint at a focus on preparedness for potential disasters or security concerns.
However, Zuckerberg is not alone in this endeavor, as billionaire Frank VanderSloot recently acquired a 2,000-acre ranch near Zuckerberg’s compound for $51 million.
Rumors also suggest that other ultra-wealthy individuals, including OpenAI CEO Sam Altman and PayPal co-founder Peter Thiel, may be pursuing similar projects.
So, why are these prominent figures constructing underground bunkers?
Billionaire bunkers, or doomsday bunkers, are designed as subterranean accommodations capable of sustaining individuals through extreme crises, such as natural disasters, pandemics, war, or even fantastical scenarios like a zombie apocalypse.
However, these extreme circumstances represent just one facet of their utility.
For some ultra-rich individuals, building bunkers safeguards valuable collections of rare art or automobiles.
Additionally, these bunkers can provide a highly secure environment for conducting sensitive business meetings.
Some may opt for these bunkers as a luxurious extension of their existing properties, ensuring that their grounds at the surface remain undisturbed.
Doomsday bunkers cater to a niche clientele of ultra-wealthy buyers, offering a secure living space with essential amenities and necessities for families, as exemplified by Zuckerberg’s extensive project.
Whether motivated by a genuine concern for survival in the face of potential global crises or driven by the desire to protect assets and conduct business discreetly, these underground fortresses reflect the unique priorities and interests of the ultra-rich.
There have been abundant rumors that the billionaires know of an upcoming world-ending calamity, which is why they are building these bunkers.
So, do you believe in such rumors? Or do you think it is just some wealthy folks constricting our resources some more? Or do you look at this from an entirely different worldview?
Let us know your thoughts and opinions in the comments below.
Source: Wired
