Conversations with Tyler Thomas Piketty on the Politics of Equality
13 snips
Apr 20, 2022 
Thomas Piketty, a renowned economist and author of A Brief History of Equality, discusses the intricate relationship between politics and income inequality. He highlights that the strides toward equality in the 19th and 20th centuries stemmed from social movements rather than economic determinism. Piketty advocates for rectifying past injustices, addresses France's reparations to Haiti, and proposes a minimum inheritance to tackle wealth disparity. He also critiques cultural inequalities and examines the role of public education in driving economic growth.
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France's Egalitarian Journey
- France has seen increased equality in income, wealth, political power, education, and healthcare.
- This progress, tied to political mobilization and social struggles, began with the French Revolution and continues today.
Politics of Inequality
- Studying 20th-century data reveals the significant impact of political events on inequality reduction.
- Piketty emphasizes that politics, including wars, social security, and decolonization, are central to understanding inequality shifts.
Data Skepticism
- Piketty is skeptical of data before the late 18th century due to the lack of reliable sources like censuses and tax records.
- He focuses on the more recent period, which still spans over two centuries, and observes a trend towards greater equality.
