NEW YORK, NY — Blackstone co-founder Stephen Schwarzman, who personally pocketed $1.2 billion last year, has issued a stark warning to his children: do not pursue the same 'max everything' work ethic that made him one of the world's wealthiest individuals. Sources close to the family indicate the advice was delivered during a recent brunch, where Schwarzman reportedly emphasized the importance of 'not being constantly terrified of losing it all' – a feeling he apparently found quite lucrative.

Schwarzman, 77, recounted his early career days of 'desperation' and 'fear of failure' as key motivators for his unprecedented success. However, he now believes such pressures are 'not ideal for long-term emotional well-being,' especially for those who might inherit a significant portion of his $40 billion fortune. An anonymous family friend, 'Chadwick,' noted, “He just wants them to be happy, you know? Not like, 'billionaire-happy,' but 'comfortable-billionaire-happy,' without all the gnawing existential dread of having to earn it themselves.”

Critics of the 'max everything' corporate culture, which often leads to burnout and mental health crises for lower-tier employees, expressed a mix of amusement and exasperation. Dr. Evelyn Reed, a sociologist specializing in wealth disparities, commented, “It's truly heartwarming to see a man who built an empire on the backs of relentless ambition finally acknowledge that such a path is only sustainable if you're not the one actually walking it anymore.”

Schwarzman's children are reportedly considering his advice, with one overheard asking if 'max everything' also applied to their trust fund disbursements.