How Paul Graham Gets It Wrong in “Economic Inequality”
Is economic inequality a problem in and of itself? Why?<p>Economic quality seems like a red herring for actual issues like how well off people are. Is the actual concern about how poorly off the poor are? Imagine a thought experiment where aliens come to earth and give every human 100x the resources they have currently (or 100x a year&#x27;s min wage), as an annuity. The poor are all now rich, and the wealthy can buy their own space stations.<p>Is this <i>intrinsically</i> a problem, and why?<p>If the actual concern is about how well off the lower and middle class are, then that&#x27;s reasonable: we&#x27;re talking about the welfare of actual people. But actual people are not harmed or affected directly by some mega-rich person being much richer.<p>I expect that someone will reply to explain that inequality is the symptom of or cause of some other dysfunction, and it is the actual problem - and that&#x27;s great, that&#x27;s what I&#x27;d like to understand better. Whatever the actual problem is, let&#x27;s talk about it. If the problem is about lack of adequate education, opportunities, etc. then let&#x27;s discuss those concerns directly.