Slim said that the "Santa Claus" route is not for him -- a surprising analysis, given his grey beard and slightly portly silhouette. "Trillions of dollars have been given to charity in the last 50 years, and they don't solve anything," says Slim.

The Journal is quick to point out that Slim does care about improving the lot of the less fortunate. He just thinks the wealthy are more effective at helping people when they grow their businesses and employ additional workers. He's also contributed hundreds of millions of dollars to his own foundation as well as that of Bill and Melinda Gates. Still, he hasn't signed up to give half his net worth to charity, brushing aside the gauntlet thrown down by the Gates and Warren Buffett.

mtaylor@observer.com

Twitter: @mbrookstaylor