As Gods Among Men: A History of the Rich in the West

Guido Alfani's book explores the history of the rich and super-rich in the West, examining their behavior, accumulation of wealth, and role in society. He argues that their position has always been fragile and that they have been reluctant to contribute to the common good in times of crisis, which is troubling for both the rich and everyone else.

Format: Hardback
Length: 440 pages
Publication date: 05 December 2023
Publisher: Princeton University Press

The rich have always captivated us, often in controversial ways. Medieval thinkers were concerned that the super-rich would behave like gods among men, and more recently, Thomas Piketty has made wealth a central issue in discussions of inequality. In this book, Guido Alfani provides a history of the rich and super-rich in the West, exploring who they were, how they accumulated their wealth, and what role they played in society. Spanning the last thousand years, with frequent excursions into antiquity, and incorporating recent research on economic inequality, Alfani finds fundamental continuities in the behavior of the rich and public attitudes towards wealth across Western history. His account offers a novel perspective on current debates about wealth and income disparity.

Alfani argues that the position of the rich and super-rich in Western society has always been inherently fragile; their very presence has inspired social unease. In the Middle Ages, excessive wealth accumulation was considered sinful, and the rich were expected to avoid appearing wealthy. However, over time, the rich were deemed useful when they used their wealth to help their communities in times of crisis.

Yet, in the twenty-first century, Alfani points out, the rich and the super-rich, their wealth largely preserved through the Great Recession and COVID-19, have been exceptionally reluctant to contribute to the common good in times of crisis. This is a troubling development, not only for the rich but for everyone else.

Throughout Western history, the rich and super-rich have accumulated their wealth through various means, including inheritance, entrepreneurship, and investment. However, their behavior and attitudes towards their communities have varied significantly over time. In the Middle Ages, the rich were often seen as a threat to social stability, and their accumulation of wealth was often met with suspicion and hostility. However, as society evolved, the rich were increasingly recognized as valuable contributors to the community.

During the Renaissance, the rich were celebrated for their cultural and intellectual contributions, and they were often patrons of the arts and sciences. In the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, the industrial revolution saw the rise of the robber baron class, who amassed vast fortunes through ruthless business practices and exploitation of workers. However, there were also examples of the rich using their wealth to promote social welfare and improve the lives of others.

In the twentieth century, the Great Depression and World War II brought about significant changes in the attitudes of the rich and super-rich towards their communities. The rich were increasingly seen as having a responsibility to use their wealth for the greater good, and many philanthropists and social activists emerged to promote social justice and equality.

However, in recent years, there has been a growing backlash against the rich and super-rich. Many people argue that their wealth is unfairly distributed and that they contribute little to the common good. There have been calls for higher taxes on the rich, greater regulation of the financial industry, and more support for social programs that benefit the poor and marginalized.

Despite these challenges, Alfani argues that the rich and super-rich have always played a significant role in society. They have been sources of innovation, entrepreneurship, and job creation, and they have often used their wealth to promote social welfare and improve the lives of others. However, their behavior and attitudes towards their communities have varied significantly over time, and it is important to consider these factors when evaluating their impact on society.

In conclusion, the rich and super-rich have a complex and multifaceted history in Western society. They have been sources of innovation, entrepreneurship, and job creation, but they have also been criticized for their lack of contribution to the common good in times of crisis. Alfani's book provides a valuable perspective on the history of the rich and super-rich in the West, and it is essential to consider their impact on society as we navigate the challenges of the twenty-first century.

Dimension: 235 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780691215730