Published on Nov 20, 2012
Infographics on the distribution of wealth in America, highlighting both the inequality and the difference between our perception of inequality and the actual numbers. The reality is often not what we think it is.
Wealth Inequality in America
4 responses to “Wealth Inequality in America”
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Americans are idiots… It seems to them they think. Equality is a myth, making rule by the few over the multitudes easy, as many other myths and dreams do. That few own the many and rule over them is the way of the universe in the long run. Praise the Lord!
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Hi Sith,
I’m going to disagree with all your statements and provide some on my reasons:
I think you did great with starting with the word “Idiot”. The word comes from ancient Greek and it was properly defined by Plato himself. Idiots are those who are in engaged with only the self. Idiots don’t think about politics, society or the bigger picture. Those who live for immediate self-satisfaction with total disregard for their fellow citizens are, according to Plato, idiots.
Now, what price do idiots pay for not being engaged with the rest of society? Simple, Plato informs us that the price we pay for political or social indifference to be ruled by evil men (tyrants). The idiots ultimately suffer.
Without touching on the subject of equality, you can see how Plato’s philosophy addresses your comment in a general way.
I think when we talk about equality, we should answer a few questions first:
1) What kind of equality? Social? Economic? Ideological? Biological? Political?
2) What factors contribute and hinder the various type of equality?
3) Is equality beneficial or detrimental? To who? Why? What about inequality?
4) How does equality/inequality affect our psychology, and in turn, social behavior?
…and so on.I’m not going to get into the details right now. I prefer that we consult the wisdom of Rene Descartes: “I think, therefore, I am!”. He means to doubt everything you know and begin from scratch. All philosophy begins with doubt!
We have to start with being human. Are we born biologically equal? Pretty much. We all breathe, eat, drink water, shit and die. We are essential biologically equal from birth to death. Using this as our foundation for all the questions on equality to follow, we can start to chip away at the “myth” assumption and get some real clarity on the issue of equality.
Bertrand Russell said something like “It’s a healthy thing now and then to hang a question mark on the things you have long taken to be truth”. This is rather helpful advise, don’t you think?
Thanks,
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That is a good advice. Do truths exist at all? My statement seems to be true enough for me 😉 a friend asked what if all wealth was divided equally? I answered that in no time smart and ruthless people would control most of it and majority would be piss poor again. Ok, it would take some time. Supposedly some study was conducted that sort of confirmed what I seem to think would happen. Americans are brainwashed with ideas more powerful than religion, economic myths and atheistic social myths. I m starting from scratch. God isnt, neither is my Lord Jesus. Thanks, a-hole ;)A while ago my idealism and faith in mankind was crucified and it ain’t comin back to life, we reap what we sow, individually and collectively; survivors look out for themselves. How relevant is Plato in 3rd millennium? Isn’t that tyrant statement something Machiavelli wrote about? I like your blog, seems the Force guided me to it 😉
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Hi,
On the question of Plato’s relevance to modern society, if you pause for a minute and contemplate Plato’s main points, you will surely find more than enough relevance. Till this day we’re struggling with the questions of how to properly build a society. Plato was one of the firsts to tackle issue. Plato also taught about the importance of being politically and socially active, I doubt that you’ll many that would disagree. I don’t agree with Plato on many points, you can easily see how those 2 examples are extremely relevant in today’s society.
Not sure what you mean about “God” or “Jesus Christ”. Those are pure fables, fit only for children’s stories. They have no place in actual sciences like economics or sociology.
Your example on the rich vs. the poor and your later statements are very revealing. They are the words of hopelessness. There is no need for such thoughts in today’s world. Anything is possible, but only if we have hope as a starting point.
I can point to dozens of examples of “hopeless” situations in recent history. I’m sure many had the same thoughts during the slaves wars of America. It was thanks to those with hope that things changed and justice was achieved. Simple as that.
Thanks,
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