Walter Scheidel
What’s inside
Walter Scheidel’s ‘The Great Leveler’ examines the history of inequality across different civilizations and points in time. The book argues that throughout history, significant reductions in inequality have been the result of catastrophic events, which Scheidel labels as ‘the Four Horsemen’: mass-mobilization warfare, transformative revolutions, state collapse, and plagues. He explores how these forces have periodically leveled the playing field, but at great human cost, and questions the possibility of reducing inequality through less violent means.
You’ll Learn
- Understanding the long-term historical trends of inequality
- Gaining insights into the drastic methods that have reduced inequality in the past
- Appreciating the complexity of peaceful inequality reduction efforts
- Reflecting on the ethical implications of historical leveling forces
Key Points
- Historical Patterns of Inequality
- The Four Horsemen as Levelers
- Mass-Mobilization Warfare and Equality
- Revolutions Transforming Societies
- State Collapse’s Role in Redistribution
- Plagues Impacting Social Structures
- Challenges of Peaceful Inequality Reduction
Who’s it For
- History enthusiasts
- Economists
- Sociologists
- Policy makers
- Social activists
About the author
Walter Scheidel is a historian and professor at Stanford University, known for his research on ancient history, economy, and demography. His scholarly works demonstrate a deep understanding of societal structures and their influence throughout history.