Steven talks to Guido Alfani, professor of economic history at Bocconi University, about the history of wealth inequality in western civilization. They discuss how the roles and perceptions of the rich have changed over time, touching on important moments in Western civilization, such as the Renaissance, the Middle Ages, the Industrial Revolution, and the modern era. Dr. Alfani also offers his thoughts on how things like religion, culture, war, disease, and government policies alleviate (or help contribute to) persistent wealth inequality. The Inequality in Perspective segment explores the lives of Tiberius and Sempronius Gracchus, two brothers who pursued radical reforms to redistribute land and address inequality during the waning years of the Roman Republic. Be sure to check out Dr. Alfani’s new book, As God’s Among Men: A History of the Rich in the West, available now.

TIMELINE:

00-29:50: Interview with Dr. Alfani

29:50-44:49: Inequality in Perspective segment

LINKS:

As Gods Among Men: A History of the Rich in the West, by Guido Alfani (published by Princeton

University Press): https://press.princeton.edu/our-authors/alfani-guido

The Gracchi Attempt Reform (part of a series on The Rise and Fall of Rome):

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aTwjsIhcQmI

Who Were the Gracchi Brothers of Ancient Rome?: https://www.thoughtco.com/gracchi-brothers-tiberius-gaius-gracchus-112494

Guido Alfani on the History of the Rich in the West