We’ll discuss chapter 1 of “A Brief History of Equality”, by Thomas Piketty. It may be helpful to preview the first 3 graphs in the companion pdf. Chapter One discusses the undeniable increase in average human global financial wealth over the last three centuries; emphasizes the necessity of quantifying multiple measures of human and natural welfare—not just global averages—to understand our diverse and inegalitarian world; and stresses our personal responsibility for paying attention to which statistics are used, especially because politicians and the media may be irresponsible or lazy. Reminds me of that ancient classic by Daniel Huff, 1954,“How to Lie with Statistics”, which ought to be required reading for every high school student.

This is a recurring virtual meeting every Wednesday from noon - 1:30 PM.

Thoreau Lunchitarians discuss books, or other matters arising

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