Guy
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I think you have a point when we look back through ancient history but more recent history (post war) suggests otherwise.TBH, I am much to impatient to read the whole of all these essays...
But I will say that the data suggests that, apart from a brief period from about 1965 to 1980,wealth and income inequality (in most countries) is no higher now that it was from the start of human civilisation.
Think Dickensian workhouses, Medieval serfs, Roman slaves, etc vs Pharohs, Vanderbilts, Rhodes, etc.
I'm not saying that's a good thing, just that it has been commonplace for centuries.
There was a fascinating piece written a few years ago by an American Billionaire, recognising his good fortune but also calling for change. It talks about the potential for revolution driven by the increased greed of the wealthy as the gap between the CEO and the shop floor grows significantly. It is worth a read if you have a few minutes;
https://www.politico.com/magazine/story/2014/06/the-pitchforks-are-coming-for-us-plutocrats-108014
A more recent report by the EPI in the US headlined CEO pay had increased 940% vs typical worker 12% taking into account inflation over the past 30 years.
CEO compensation has grown 940% since 1978: Typical worker compensation has risen only 12% during that time
The latest report in EPI’s annual series analyzing current and long-term trends in CEO compensation.
www.epi.org