NPR's Book of the Day
In 'Entitlement,' a young woman helps an elderly billionaire give away his fortune
Sep 18, 2024
Rumaan Alam, author of 'Entitlement,' discusses the ethical dilemmas of wealth through the journey of Brooke, a woman tasked with helping a billionaire decide how to give away his fortune. Alongside NPR's Scott Simon, they explore whether we're witnessing a new Gilded Age. Topics include the challenges of philanthropy, the intersection of wealth and identity in art, and the balance between creativity and family life. Alam thoughtfully examines how proximity to great wealth reshapes personal ambitions and ethics.
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Quick takeaways
- Brooke's experience managing a billionaire's fortune forces her to confront shifting values and ethical dilemmas related to wealth.
- The contrasting perspectives of Brooke and Asher Jaffee illustrate how proximity to wealth alters ambitions and perceptions of value.
Deep dives
The Quest for Identity in Wealth
Brooke, a former teacher navigating a phase of self-discovery, secures a job working for billionaire Asher Jaffee, who aims to donate his vast fortune. This position provides her with a unique perspective on wealth and philanthropy, as she contemplates what it means to contribute meaningfully to various causes. Throughout her journey, she grapples with the effects of proximity to extreme wealth, which challenges her sense of identity, priorities, and ethical beliefs. The novel illustrates her internal struggle as she tries to find her place in a world dominated by financial power and entitlement.
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