EP. 81: Guido Alfani: As Gods Among Men. A History of the Rich in the West
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What if you could learn from the richest people that ever lived -- both how to make money, and how to keep it once you make it. My guest has a lot to share about both pursuits.
Guido Alfani is a Professor of Economic History at Bocconi University, Milan (Italy). He is also an Affiliated Scholar at the Stone Center on Socio-Economic Inequality (New York) and a Research Fellow of the Center for Economic Policy Research (CEPR, London). In the last fifteen years, Guido has focused his research on economic inequality in the long run of history and on the history of major pandemics (often combining the two topics). His most recent book, published by Princeton University Press, is dedicated to the rich, the very rich, and the super-rich, and it is entitled As Gods Among Men. A History of the Rich in the West.
Today — my guest takes us on a trip back in time. I love history. I strongly believe that it rhymes, and there are many patterns worth recognizing as they can help us understand the present and maybe even look into the future.
Professor Alfani tells us how wealth has evolved, with different societies defining it in various ways. He introduces us to the three main paths to riches; you’ll have to listen to find out what they are. He also discusses a topic close to my heart and professional pursuits — inherited wealth throughout the ages. Guido explains how maintaining wealth over multiple generations proved to be a challenge throughout history. We take on a revolutionary role of finance, and specifically the stock market, in keeping and growing wealth among more people, including women. Speaking of women, Guido’s book offers a greater understanding of the role they played in their families, preserving fortunes, especially in times of turmoil and change. Stay tuned until the end, when my guest reveals the most consistent strategy for wealth accumulation through the centuries and leaves us with some advice on how to avoid losing wealth once we have it.
It’s all music to my ears, a very special guest with a unique book that ties together many of the topics and questions that I’ve studied, observed, and experienced over the last twenty years of my career as an investment advisor to affluent families and individuals. Please help me welcome Professor Guido Alfani.
https://press.princeton.edu/books/hardcover/9780691215730/as-gods-among-men
Summary
Summary
The conversation explores the themes of wealth, inheritance, and entrepreneurship throughout history. It discusses the evolution of wealth and its components, the different paths to riches, and the impact of inherited wealth on society. The conversation also touches on the importance of capital and the need for a balance between inherited wealth and new entrepreneurial ideas.
It highlights the challenges of maintaining wealth over multiple generations and the tendency for wealth to be reabsorbed over time. The conversation explores the themes of wealth creation, wealth preservation, and wealth distribution throughout history. It discusses the motivations behind accumulating wealth, such as personal enrichment, providing for future generations, and the desire for prestige and influence.
The conversation also touches on the role of taxation and philanthropy in wealth redistribution. It highlights the historical significance of women in managing and growing family wealth, as well as the opportunities and risks associated with making money through financial management. The dangers of losing wealth include excessive spending and catastrophic events like war or government confiscation.
Takeaways
Wealth has evolved over time, with different societies defining it in various ways.
There are three main paths to riches: nobility, entrepreneurship, and finance.
Inherited wealth can have both positive and negative effects on society.
The concentration of wealth in dynasties can stifle innovation and social mobility.
Maintaining wealth over multiple generations is a challenge, and wealth tends to be reabsorbed over time. Wealth creation has been a consistent pursuit throughout history, driven by personal enrichment, providing for future generations, and the desire for prestige and influence.
Taxation and philanthropy play important roles in wealth redistribution.
Women have played a significant role in managing and growing family wealth throughout history.
Making money through financial management has been a consistent strategy for wealth accumulation.
The dangers of losing wealth include excessive spending and catastrophic events like war or government confiscation.
Chapters
05:00 Introduction and Background
13:21 The Evolution of Wealth and its Components
31:10 The Impact of Inherited Wealth on Society
37:46 The Challenge of Maintaining Wealth over Generations
48:03 The Pursuit of Wealth Throughout History
58:25 The Role of Women in Wealth Management
01:08:03 Making Money through Financial Management
01:21:03 The Dangers of Losing Wealth
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Blue Infinitas Capital, LLC is a registered investment adviser and the opinions expressed by the Firm’s employees and podcast guests on this show are their own and do not reflect the opinions of Blue Infinitas Capital, LLC. All statements and opinions expressed are based upon information considered reliable although it should not be relied upon as such. Any statements or opinions are subject to change without notice.
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