Yale Professor Daniel Markovits discusses 'The Meritocracy Trap' critiquing meritocracy and Jeffrey Epstein's ties to MIT Media Lab. Conversations also cover how wealth affects education, income disparities, and ethical concerns in academia. Bill Gates' influence on the stock market and Volfefe index evaluating Trump's tweets' market impact are explored. The episode also touches on poverty rates, wealth inequality in the US, and various current events.
Meritocracy can trap the elite, impacting society's wealth distribution.
Financial donations from questionable sources can compromise academic integrity.
Trump's tweets influence markets, leading to the creation of the Volfefe index.
Deep dives
Hasbro's Miz Monopoly Game Features $240 for Women Passing Go
In a new version of Monopoly called Miz Monopoly, women receive $240 for passing Go, and players invest in female-created inventions like Wi-Fi and chocolate chip cookies.
Attack on Wall Street Bull Leaves 6-Inch Gash with Metal Banjo
A man attacked the Wall Street bull with a metal banjo, causing a 6-inch long gash, leaving the responsibility for the $150,000 repair cost in question.
U.S. Poverty Rate at 11.8%, Near Historic Lows but Higher than in 1964
The U.S. poverty rate is reported at 11.8%, near historic lows but higher than in 1964 when the War on Poverty began, highlighting that wealth inequality remains a significant issue despite poverty declines.
Volfefe Tweets by Trump Move FX and Bond Markets
JP Morgan unveils the Volfefe index, tracking the market impact of Trump's tweets on the FX and bond markets, with 146 out of 4,000 non-retweets since 2018 moving the market.
The MIT Media Lab and Jeffrey Epstein's Influence and Financial Impact
The MIT Media Lab's ties to Jeffrey Epstein led to financial donations and influence, raising questions about the impact on research outcomes and academic integrity as highlighted by investigative reporting.
Bill Gates Connection to Jeffrey Epstein Explored in Slate Plus Segment
Slate Plus delves into the relationship between Bill Gates and Jeffrey Epstein, uncovering details and implications in a dedicated segment for members.
This week, Yale Professor Daniel Markovits joins Emily and Felix to discuss his new book ‘The Meritocracy Trap’, Jeffrey Epstein and the MIT Media Lab, and the Volfefe Index.