Context with Brad Harris
All Things Being Equal
Aug 25, 2020
Explore the history of wealth inequality and how attempts to address it have often resulted in negative consequences. The podcast delves into the impact of World Wars and mass warfare on wealth inequality, as well as the historical pattern of wealth inequality in the United States. It challenges the notion that wealth inequality is solely a problem, emphasizing its complex nature influenced by societal factors.
30:36
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Quick takeaways
- Wealth inequality has been prevalent throughout history and is often accompanied by periods of material prosperity.
- Catastrophic events like wars and pandemics have historically leveled wealth inequality but at the cost of widespread suffering.
Deep dives
Wealth inequality throughout history
Wealth inequality has been the norm throughout human history, as seen in ancient societies like Rome and Egypt, where the elites controlled the majority of wealth. Historical evidence shows that wealth inequality positively correlates with material prosperity, rising during periods of progress. Catastrophic events like wars, revolutions, state failures, and pandemics have historically led to a leveling of inequality, but at the cost of widespread suffering. The collapse of the Roman Empire and the Black Plague are examples of how these events drastically reduced wealth inequality. Modern democratic societies, however, have witnessed an increase in wealth inequality due to economic prowess rather than political corruption.
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