Social Darwinists to tech bros: tracing the long fight against equality in US
Summary
Historian Kim Phillips-Fein’s new book, Country of Lords, explores the history of ideas and people in the U.S. who opposed equal rights and economic fairness. It covers figures from the founding era, like John Adams, to modern tech billionaires like Elon Musk and Peter Thiel, showing how social and economic inequality has been a long-standing issue.Key Facts
- The book is published during the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Declaration of Independence, which states that all men are created equal.
- It examines groups such as Neo-Aristocrats, Social Darwinists, and Tech Utopians who have challenged equality.
- Phillips-Fein studies conservatism and the interaction between capitalism and democracy.
- John Adams is portrayed as different from other wealthy or racist figures but was skeptical about too much equality.
- The book includes historical figures who supported ideas of racial or economic inequality, such as Andrew Carnegie and George Fitzhugh.
- Carnegie accepted wealth concentration but worried it could create hatred and instability; he gave back through philanthropy like building libraries.
- Modern tech billionaires like Elon Musk and Peter Thiel are included as part of this historical pattern of economic hierarchy.
- The book discusses the challenges extreme economic inequality poses to democracy and social stability.
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