Making Sense with Sam Harris #257 — The State of the World
Aug 13, 2021
Dambisa Moyo, a renowned economist and author, joins the discussion to unpack the complex state of the world. She dives into the pitfalls of public policy and capitalism, exploring the widening chasm of inequality and its repercussions. Moyo sheds light on our voting system's inefficiencies and proposes mandatory voting as a fix. The conversation also touches on automation's looming impact on employment and the intricate dynamics of identity politics, emphasizing the urgent need for reforms to foster genuine democratic engagement.
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Importance of Economic Growth
- Economic growth funds essential public goods like education, infrastructure, and healthcare.
- Pre-COVID, many economies struggled with slow growth, high debt, and limited policy effectiveness.
Historical Parallels to Current Economic Concerns
- The US experienced economic malaise after the Gilded Age due to progressive policies, similar to current trends.
- This period (1930-1954) saw low growth and high unemployment despite increased government intervention.
Inequality and Its Consequences
- Inequality hinders access to education, healthcare, and opportunities, not just wealth accumulation.
- Economists lack a clear solution to inequality, with both redistribution and supply-side interventions failing.
