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Let's not forget that despite the improvement to the lives of the poorest people in the world, the gap between the richest and the poorest has never been greate

Let's not forget that despite the improvement to the lives of the poorest people in the world, the gap between the richest and the poorest has never been greater. The wealth in the world exists for everyone to have a decent life. But as long as the middle class thinks the poor is their enemy, we will stagnate. I am deeply pessimistic about the next 10-50 years. Historically, situations like this led to revolutions, and recalibrations. But when the problem is "I can't afford the newest iPhone", not "I can't afford a loaf of bread", people are not inspired to really demand change. I think everyone is too satiated and complacent, which is why Brexit and Trump happen and the US/UK will get worse before things get better.

tim333 9y ago
>the gap between the richest and the poorest has never been greater I'm not sure that's true globally - check out "Bill Gates: Global inequality is falling faster than ever" https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2016/04/bill-gates-global-inequality-is-falling-faster-than-ever/ https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2016/04/bill-gates-global-ine... for example. Regarding inequalities within countries, things used to be bad that way in 1900-1920 with low taxes, then up to the 70s tax rates on the rich went up to 80 or 90%+ which reduced inequality and then that ended with Thatcher/Reagan being voted in but a high tax regime could be voted back in if people want it.