Throughline The New Gilded Age
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Apr 28, 2022 
Rutger Bregman, a historian and author known for his insights on wealth inequality, joins Stan Katz, a retired professor specializing in philanthropy. They dive deep into the origins of modern philanthropy, exploring the legacies of titans like Carnegie and Rockefeller. The discussion highlights the tension between huge wealth and public welfare, scrutinizing the impact of large philanthropic foundations on democracy. They question whether philanthropy truly serves the public good or merely perpetuates inequality, emphasizing the need for accountability and change in today’s society.
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Davos Irony
- Rutger Bregman attended the 2019 Davos meeting and found the discussions on philanthropy ironic.
- Billionaires arrived in private jets to discuss climate change while avoiding taxes.
Philanthropy vs. Democracy
- Wealthy philanthropists often pay less in taxes while giving to their chosen causes.
- This raises concerns about democratic processes and public input on resource allocation.
Rockefeller's Rise
- John D. Rockefeller Sr. came from modest beginnings and became the richest man in America through Standard Oil.
- He felt a religious duty to be charitable, saving 10% of his first dollar for charity.