Chapter
The Undemocratic Workplace
48:34 - 2:00:35 (1:12:00)
Economist Richard Wolff explains that capitalism, as a system, has been represented by capitalists who have fought every effort to improve the lives of the mass of workers. Wolff argues that the workplace is the most undemocratic arrangement imaginable, with a tiny group of people controlling economically a vast mass of employees, who have no voice or accountability.
Clips
Humans form hierarchies naturally and those who possess desirable traits become leaders who may engage in exploitation or become employers.
48:34 - 52:15 (03:40)
Summary
Humans form hierarchies naturally and those who possess desirable traits become leaders who may engage in exploitation or become employers. Failing to understand the dynamics of hierarchies can lead to unachievable objectives and a redistribution of wealth that tears apart society.
ChapterThe Undemocratic Workplace
Episode#295 – Richard Wolff: Marxism and Communism
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
Human nature is constantly being repressed in order to maintain social order, and this repression has consequences.
52:15 - 53:56 (01:40)
Summary
Human nature is constantly being repressed in order to maintain social order, and this repression has consequences. Economic systems are often defended as being the only ones consistent with human nature.
ChapterThe Undemocratic Workplace
Episode#295 – Richard Wolff: Marxism and Communism
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The idea that employers take on more risk than employees in a capitalist system is examined and deemed questionable while naturalizing a system is a way to hold on to it, preventing it from evolving or dying.
53:56 - 57:24 (03:27)
Summary
The idea that employers take on more risk than employees in a capitalist system is examined and deemed questionable while naturalizing a system is a way to hold on to it, preventing it from evolving or dying.
ChapterThe Undemocratic Workplace
Episode#295 – Richard Wolff: Marxism and Communism
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
Marxist economist Richard Wolff criticizes the idea that capitalism has singlehandedly improved the standard of living for the mass of people and argues that every measure to help the standard of living of American workers has been fought by capitalists.
57:24 - 2:00:35 (1:03:10)
Summary
Marxist economist Richard Wolff criticizes the idea that capitalism has singlehandedly improved the standard of living for the mass of people and argues that every measure to help the standard of living of American workers has been fought by capitalists. On the other hand, venture capitalist Ben Horowitz counters that the government and private sector are partners and both are accountable, but have different ways of being accountable and accruing bad decisions.