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Žižek And So On
PREVIEW: Adrian Johnston & The Inhuman Selfishness of Capital
Sep 8, 2024
In this engaging discussion, Adrian Johnston, an author focused on Freudian and Marxist intersections, dives into his book, Infinite Greed. He explores the perplexing relationship between wealth and psychological desire, questioning if we really are worth our weight in gold. The conversation shifts to the dynamics of recognition under capitalism versus socialism and critiques philanthropy's true motives. Johnston also ponders whether we've transcended capitalism and teases an upcoming co-written work with Slavoj Žižek.
10:46
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Quick takeaways
- The podcast explores the intricate relationship between wealth, philanthropy, and the psychological motivations of affluent individuals in capitalism.
- It highlights the socio-symbolic recognition driving capitalists, illustrating how status competition extends beyond mere material accumulation to influence societal structures.
Deep dives
Wealth and Philanthropy Dynamics
The relationship between immense wealth and philanthropy is examined, with a focus on how affluent individuals like Warren Buffett choose to allocate their resources. They often give away substantial portions of their wealth while providing limited financial support to heirs, promoting self-sufficiency. This dynamic raises questions about the social effects of this reinvestment of surplus value back into society and the motivations behind it. It reveals complex psychological and societal underpinnings, particularly regarding the expectations and responsibilities of the wealthy in attempting to reconcile their fortunes with altruism.
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Discover
highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode