Question Everything with Brian Reed
Not Like Us: How Billionaires Think
Feb 27, 2025
Vicky Ward, a journalist known for her work on the Kushner family and Jeffrey Epstein, joins tech critic Edward Ongweso Jr. and futurist Douglas Rushkoff to dive into the mindset of today's billionaires. They discuss the increasing political influence of the ultra-rich and the ethical dilemmas faced by journalists covering them. The trio unpacks the paradox of immense wealth coupled with isolation and critiques modern billionaires' motivations for space exploration and philanthropy, contrasting them with past societal values.
40:04
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Quick takeaways
- The concentration of wealth and power among billionaires, particularly in government roles, poses significant risks to democratic accountability and governance.
- The mindset of tech billionaires investing in space travel reflects a troubling disconnect from societal responsibilities and raises ethical concerns about social equity.
Deep dives
The Rise of Billionaire Influence in Government
The increasing presence of billionaires in government roles has raised significant concerns about power dynamics and accountability. Notably, Donald Trump's administration includes a record number of billionaires, among them Elon Musk, the treasury secretary, the education secretary, and various ambassadors. This group collectively wields immense wealth, valued at over $400 billion, contrasting sharply with Biden's cabinet of just $118 million. Such concentration of wealth and power in the hands of a few unaccountable individuals presents potential risks to democratic governance and oversight.
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