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We have today a vast and increasing gap in wealth and status. How do we fix this, if it can be fixed at all short of revolution and starting all over? Daniel Markovits in his new book, The Meritocracy Trap, has some suggestions.
The book is uneven, unnecessarily long, and relies heavily on the theory that achievement is entirely due to nurture. I don't agree, nor does John Staddon in this article from Quilette.
Of late the Drews have been watching The Great Courses' series about Western Civilization and now the Renaissance. Jennifer McNabb, a professor from Western Illinois University, presents an overview of the years from 1300 to 1600 and talks in some detail about the northern vs the Italian renaissance and the importance of various artists and musicians and writers as well as politicians. Enlightening.
“We’re Renaissance people. We’ve updated some aspects of the Renaissance past and infused it with our own contemporary concerns. And, such activities are in keeping with the Renaissance as well.”