In "Mastering the Universe," Rob Larson delves into the vast wealth of the ruling class, scrutinizing their financial maneuvers and societal impact. The book exposes the stark realities of wealth inequality, revealing how the richest 1% control a disproportionate share of global assets. It explores the mechanisms through which this elite maintains power, including political influence and economic manipulation. Larson critiques the consequences of unchecked wealth, such as market distortions and policy biases that exacerbate inequality. Through meticulous analysis, the book urges readers to critically examine the systems that perpetuate obscene wealth and advocates for systemic change to address these imbalances.
Published in 1859, 'A Tale of Two Cities' by Charles Dickens is a historical novel that contrasts the lives in London and Paris during the late 18th century. The story revolves around characters such as Charles Darnay, Sydney Carton, and Lucie Manette, each dealing with love, sacrifice, and the profound societal changes brought about by the French Revolution. The novel critiques both the conditions leading up to the Revolution and the Revolution itself, highlighting themes of resurrection, sacrifice, and the potential for positive change. Dickens's vivid portrayal of the social disparities and political unrest of the era, along with his iconic opening lines, 'It was the best of times, it was the worst of times,' make the novel a compelling exploration of human resilience and societal issues[3][4][5].
Published in 1925, 'The Great Gatsby' is a tragic love story, a mystery, and a social commentary on American life during the Jazz Age. The novel is narrated by Nick Carraway, who moves to Long Island and becomes entangled in the lives of his wealthy and mysterious neighbor, Jay Gatsby, and Gatsby's obsession to win back his first love, Daisy Buchanan. The story delves into themes of honesty, the temptations of wealth, and the struggle to escape the past, ultimately reflecting on the disintegration of the American Dream.
In 'The Power Elite', C. Wright Mills critiques the organization of power in the United States, focusing on the interlocking interests of the military, corporate, and political elites. Mills argues that these elites, who often share similar educational backgrounds, family ties, and social connections, exert significant influence over American society to the detriment of ordinary citizens. The book explores how these elites maintain their power through public relations, educational institutions, and other social structures, and it questions the democratic nature of American society. The afterword by Alan Wolfe updates the analysis to reflect changes in American capitalism and society since the book's initial publication in 1956.
In 'Richistan,' Robert Frank delves into the world of the ultra-wealthy, dividing them into three classes: Lower Richistan ($1-$10 million net worth), Middle Richistan ($10-$100 million), and Upper Richistan ($100 million-$1 billion). The book details their lavish lifestyles, competitive drive, and influence on the American economy. It also touches on themes such as philanthropy, politics, and the emotional complexities of wealth. Frank's work provides a detailed and often amusing look at what he terms the 'new Gilded Age,' highlighting the significant growth in the number of millionaire households and the resulting social and economic disparities.
In 'The Theory of the Leisure Class', Thorstein Veblen presents a critical analysis of the social and economic behaviors of the upper class, arguing that economic life is driven by social vestiges from pre-historic times rather than by notions of utility. Veblen introduces concepts such as 'conspicuous consumption', 'pecuniary superiority', and 'vicarious leisure', highlighting how the leisure class demonstrates its economic superiority through non-productive activities and the display of wealth. The book challenges contemporary economic theories by emphasizing the role of social and cultural factors in shaping economic behaviors and critiques the wasteful and exploitative nature of the leisure class's activities[1][3][5].
In this book, Chris Hedges critiques the liberal class in America, arguing that it has been complicit in supporting war efforts, financial deregulation, and corporate dominance. He contends that the liberal class, once a champion of social reform, has been co-opted by the very forces it once opposed, leading to a vacuum that has been filled by speculators, war profiteers, and demagogues. Hedges traces the decline of the liberal class back to World War I and discusses its failure to resist the national security state and globalization[2][4][5].
The ultra-wealthy hover above the realities of the world around them like extraterrestrial aliens. Their material reality physically separates them from the rest of society with gated communities and private jets but paradoxically, their very wealth also severs them psychologically, unable to understand the reality of the 99%.
Joining host Chris Hedges on this episode of The Chris Hedges Report is professor and author of Mastering the Universe: The Obscene Wealth of the Ruling Class, What They Do with Their Money, and Why You Should Hate Them Even More, Rob Larson.
Larson begins by bringing attention to basic data points that nakedly reflect the state of the world and particularly the U.S. when it comes to wealth inequality. “[The] richest 1% owned 35% of all US wealth and that's cash, that's real estate, that's all kinds of investment portfolio assets… the bottom 50% of all US households, very similar to the bottom half in most regions of the world, you're looking at about 1.5% of the national wealth is owned by that half of the population,” he explains.
This gross wealth imbalance produces a number of problems within a society, including the wealthy’s overreaching influence into policymaking. Tax breaks, deregulation and other neoliberal doctrines have defined the last few decades of American politics, and that imbalance means “that's more cash chasing the same number of assets, and it just tends to have the effect of hideously inflating every asset market, making housing out of reach for so many people, making the market absurdly overpriced,” Larson spells out.
Hedges and Larson go on to describe the evolution of elites and the psychology behind handling obscene wealth, from personal relationships to the way they dress. Both agree, however, that it is possible to continue the fight against this inequality through labor organizing and local community building.
The Chris Hedges Report 
