TED Talk Video On Inequality From A Plutocrat

I think we should talk about inequality far more than we do. Even if I do not agree with the speaker, I would like to engage in the dialogue with anyone who speaks intelligently about the topic.

I’m embarrased to admit I haven’t yet read Pinketty’s Capital, but I will.

In the meantime, this is worth watching.

I don’t love his “We rich people should care about inequality because of the future pitchforks we face, so let’s be self-interested and work for more equality.”

I would prefer an argument that includes an ethical component, something along the lines of “equality helps increase human dignity.”

In his favor, however, he’s smart, provocative, and trying to be non-ideological, all of which I appreciate. Also, I like the examples he gives of the City of Seattle, and the Henry Ford theory of wages. Worth watching.