Exploring Societal Classifications: Elites, Wonk, and Plutocrats

This chapter discusses the classifications of societal groups such as elites, wonks, and plutocrats, analyzing their implications and the qualifications for each. The conversation further investigates the roles of expertise and wealth in shaping societal dynamics and structures.

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In this episode of Upstream, Erik Torenberg is joined by economist and futurist Robin Hanson.

They dissect the intricacies of human motives, the psychology of status, and the profound impact of self-deception on behavior. Robin shares his revolutionary ideas for reforming academia and his pioneering work on prediction markets and his thoughts on the future of innovation amidst falling fertility rates.

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🎙️History 102 with WhatifAltHist

Every week, creator of WhatifAltHist Rudyard Lynch and Erik Torenberg cover a major topic in history in depth -- in under an hour. This season will cover classical Greece, early America, the Vikings, medieval Islam, ancient China, the fall of the Roman Empire, and more.

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/36Kqo3BMMUBGTDo1IEYihm

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YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@History102-qg5oj

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LINKS:

The Elephant in the Brain, Robin Hanson and Kevin Simler https://amzn.asia/d/82WLQX6

Robin Hanson and Agnes Callard’s podcast Minds Almost Meeting https://mindsalmostmeeting.com/

Agnes Callard on Upstream: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2g2F0e-LZjM

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TIMESTAMPS:

(00:00) Intro

(04:25) How Robin developed his theory of the Sacred