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The Bunker
From Gates to Musk: Can good billionaires exist?
Feb 6, 2025
Carl Rhodes, Dean of the UTS Business School and author of *Stinking Rich*, dives deep into the complex world of billionaires. He explores the historical evolution of wealth and the societal impact of today’s tech elites. Rhodes challenges the notion of meritocracy, discussing the dangers of rising inequality and the potential shift toward plutocracy. The ethical implications of billionaire wealth are scrutinized, alongside a conversation on the cultural narratives shaping modern masculinity. Can any billionaire truly be considered 'good'?
33:34
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Quick takeaways
- The rise of billionaires is largely linked to historical shifts like industrialization and neoliberal policies fostering economic inequality.
- The glorification of billionaires obscures systemic issues of wealth distribution, challenging the belief in the existence of 'good billionaires.'
Deep dives
The Rise of Billionaires and Their Impact
The current era has seen an unprecedented increase in the number of billionaires, with almost 2,800 existing globally. This phenomenon is attributed to historical events, such as the late 19th-century industrialization in the United States and the neoliberal policies of the 1980s that promoted deregulation and capitalism. These changes enabled individuals in industries like technology to amass wealth rapidly, leading to a significant uptick in economic inequality. Consequently, the influence of billionaires can be seen in their growing political power and cultural presence, which raises questions about the implications for democracy and the common good.
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Discover
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Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode