How Davos Man Devours the World

"Trade is beneficial to most people". Lol Tell that to the millions of blue collar American jobs that have been shipped overseas. This country doesn't make anything anymore and the infrastructure is crumbling.

Socialism for the corporate oligarchy and wealthy and free market capitalism for everyone else.

You interviewed Anand Giridharadas 3 years ago, and he said exactly the same things. In fact, this guy is just regurgitating the same story. That you would call anyone saying it now as "novel" or some sort of Epiphany is insulting to people who know better. We know the problem, there just isn't enough power behind solving it

Elitists to us: "You will own nothing, and be happy." Us to elitists: "Go to hell."

Sweden didn't 'sacrifice its senior citizens'. Dear oh dear...

This interview is totally on the mark. Peter Goodman understands the evolution we have experienced for over 50 years. It is often bewildering. Thank you so much for a logical explanation for dismal real life nobody sees.

Rules set by the public - exactly! Basic ones like everyone pay tax. Why can't I decide to donate my tax to the corporations of my choice like Bill Gates does? Rules for all not just for some.

My major interest in great personal wealth are the power dynamics it entails. Just study what happens to people who get a disproportionate amount of power, through any means, and you will be able to predict the behavior of Davos man. Such a man will: 1.) believe that this excess of power is rightfully his for some reason. This dates back to the Devine right of kings. It is also firmly rooted in Calvinism. 2.) Since this power is rightfully his, his very having it signals his superior virtue. Therefore, he knows more than anyone else what is best for those with less power, as well as for himself. 3.) Because he knows what's best for everyone, he believes that everything he does is, in the long term, virtuous. 4.) For this reason, he will believe that anyone who criticizes him is really attempting to hold back progress. And the cure for this is, of course, is more power for himself. Late 20th century capitalism, or perhaps the worship of it, has become malignant. In order to avoid the mistakes of the gilded age, and the totalitarian communism, which sprang up as a reaction to it, we must embrace the idea that all worthy power comes with outside accountability (by actual people, not vague "market forces" or even Devine ones). Such power, with no accountability, must be seen as inherently pernicious. It is also highly addictive. My view is that the amount of wealth anyone can accumulate must be limited.

I was wondering whether a NYT journalist would be worth listening to. He was saying all the right things until 36:00 when he started talking about vaccines. Controlled opposition, otherwise, he wouldn’t be working for the NYT, get it ?

Excellent discussion, for the most part. I must question the suggestion that Davos Man's power can be limited by democratic means, when Davos man has invested huge resources over several decades in rendering democratic processes futile. I hate to rain on anyone's parade, but there can be no effective remedy that doesn't include pitchforks.

Why am I not surprised to learn that Ariana Huffington is a Davosee.

The concept of the "common good" is the very crux of the whole dilemma. It has been thrown under the bus and then ignored by Davos Man. Taken to the hypothetical extreme they are creating a world where fewer and fewer people can afford the goods and services they provide! That apparent nonchalant attitude coupled with the shrinking viability of the Earth itself and of the resources it provides evokes very deep and dark questions.

Finally someone with actual integrity!! Wish you well spreading your ideas.

I watch your videos Rob. The variety of subjects and questions you discuss is wondrous principally because of your informed conversational style. Bravo.

Reforming Democracy begins with Citizen’s Assemblies and Educational Discourse

As many of the comments point out, none of this critique is new. But in every election where this issue comes up, people advocating increased taxes for the rich get successfully smeared as socialists, and the minority right in America with the majority of senate seats and electoral votes ultimately prevents any change and prefers a transition to an authoritarian oligopoly so long as it is their billionaire in charge. The American system of government seems wholly unable to solve this problem productively, and in the absence of a real solution, politicians turn to large scale money printing that inflates stocks and increases the power of billionaires. This has already happened twice in 2008 and 2020 and it seems like neither the left or right has learned from it. If the state is unable to increase taxes on billionaires it simply has no power over them in a society where money can buy you votes, laws, and public opinion.

So far I've heard the first 28 minutes of the video and I am enjoying it. By the 28th minute, you popped the question: "what's the solution?" So, I'm gonna give my opinion, although I'm certain it won't be well received by all. The problem is multifaceted. But I can sum it up in a few words: • Selfishness. • A scheming mind. • No love of neighbor. • No Conscience. • No Heart. Many will agree with what I've said so far. However, many will disagree with my following statements... I think all of the above is a result of us becoming more and more of a God-less society. Many do not feel accountable to a higher spiritual authority. Nowadays, to even mention the word "GOD," in secular circles (work, school), is becoming increasingly frowned upon. All we teach now is: "survival of the fittest." That's a "me-first" world view. And we wonder how we got here? Really? Seriously? A very wise spiritual teacher once said that the whole law of the prophets rested on 2 commandments: 1) to LOVE God with our whole heart, soul, mind and strength. 2) to LOVE our neighbor as ourselves. What's wrong with those commandments? Why have those basic moral teachings become so unpopular, and even frowned upon in secular circles? Sure, religion has created its share of problems. But that was caused by people. Anytime you have people involved, you will have problems. But that's certainly not God's fault. Sure, everyone has the right to believe in whatever they want. Also, there are atheists who have excellent ethics, and there are others who claim to be religious, but who have no moral compass. There are always exceptions. I'm talking about SOCIETY IN GENERAL and being accountable to a higher power. And you can argue my point. But time is telling the story. Just pay attention. Can't you see? The more of a God-less society that we become, the larger the gap is increasing between those who are on the top, and the rest of us on the bottom.

Why don't big companies have a kindergarten in their factory where one can bring one's child? The company pays daycare staff and parents know their child is safe. The company can write off costs and it would help workers and make life easier. A small gesture from the company but a huge help for the worker.

Great episode. Thanks again.

Everhear of Anand Ghirdharidas?