Making Sense with Sam Harris #189 — Wealth & Happiness
Mar 2, 2020
Scott Galloway, a bestselling author and NYU professor, dives into the intricate link between wealth and happiness. He tackles wealth inequality and the societal consequences of transferring resources from young to old. The conversation spans political dynamics around taxation and social safety nets, the ethical dilemmas of big tech's influence on democracy, and critiques of policies like stop-and-frisk. Galloway emphasizes that while financial security is vital, true happiness often stems from deeper, external factors.
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Money and Happiness
- Scott Galloway connected money with options and happiness after witnessing his mother's illness.
- He prioritized economic security, finding that wealth offers more choices, but happiness plateaus after basic needs are met.
Wealth Transfer
- Societal systems often transfer wealth from the young to the old, seen in phenomena like Social Security and rising education costs.
- This wealth transfer creates inequality, potentially leading to societal unrest.
Acknowledge Luck's Role
- Recognize that success isn't solely due to personal effort, but also luck and circumstance.
- Strive to improve conditions for the less fortunate by raising the societal floor.
