Slate Money
Money Talks: Under the Spell of Someone Else’s Wealth
Sep 17, 2024
Rumaan Alam, an acclaimed author known for his thought-provoking works, dives into the complexities of wealth and class dynamics in his new novel, *Entitlement*. He and Emily Peck explore how ordinary people can become enchanted by the lives of the super-rich, discussing the contagious nature of wealth's ego and conceit. The conversation touches on the impact of financial disparities on friendships, personal responsibility in affluent circles, and whether true freedom comes from wealth or alternative paths.
38:34
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Quick takeaways
- The podcast explores how proximity to wealth can distort personal relationships, exemplified by the protagonist's interactions with the super-rich.
- It highlights the moral complexities of wealth, questioning the obligations wealthy individuals have toward friends and the impact of financial disparities.
Deep dives
Exploration of Billionaire Culture
The discussion centers around the intriguing portrayal of billionaires in modern culture, particularly through the lens of Ruman Alam's latest novel, 'Entitlement.' The protagonist, Brooke Orr, works for a billionaire named Asher Jaffe, who aims to give away his wealth. Alam reflects on society's complicated relationship with billionaires, suggesting that individuals like Elon Musk are celebrated figures despite their wealth. He aims to explore the human side of such extraordinary individuals, contrasting it with the experiences of his ordinary character, allowing readers to view the billionaire not just as a statistical figure but as a complex human being.
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