Question 1

What is *The Great Leveler* by Walter Scheidel about?

Accepted Answer

*The Great Leveler* argues that significant reductions in economic inequality throughout history have only occurred through violent upheavals like wars, revolutions, state collapses, and pandemics. Walter Scheidel identifies these as the "Four Horsemen of Leveling," demonstrating how catastrophic events disrupt wealth concentration. The book spans prehistoric societies to modern economies, challenging the idea that peaceful reforms can achieve lasting equality.

Question 2

Who should read *The Great Leveler*?

Accepted Answer

This book is essential for historians, economists, and policymakers interested in the cyclical nature of inequality. It also appeals to readers seeking a data-driven analysis of how crises reshape societies. Scheidel’s interdisciplinary approach bridges economic history, political science, and sociology, making it valuable for academics and informed general audiences alike.

Question 3

Is *The Great Leveler* worth reading?

Accepted Answer

Yes—Scheidel’s rigorous research and global historical scope provide a compelling, if grim, perspective on inequality. While the focus on violence may unsettle some, the book’s evidence-based arguments (e.g., World Wars, the Black Death) offer critical insights into socioeconomic patterns. It’s particularly recommended for those exploring alternatives to Thomas Piketty’s views on inequality.

Question 4

What are the "Four Horsemen of Leveling"?

Accepted Answer

Scheidel’s "Four Horsemen" are mass mobilization warfare (e.g., World Wars), transformative revolutions (e.g., Bolshevik Revolution), state collapse (e.g., fall of the Roman Empire), and lethal pandemics (e.g., Black Death). These events forcibly redistribute wealth by destroying elites’ assets, disrupting institutions, or reducing labor supply. Historically, they are the only proven drivers of significant equality gains.

Question 5

How does *The Great Leveler* critique Thomas Piketty’s work?

Accepted Answer

Scheidel argues Piketty oversimplifies war’s role in reducing inequality by generalizing France’s WWI experience to other nations. While Piketty emphasizes capital taxation, Scheidel asserts that violent shocks—not policy—are the primary historical equalizers. However, both agree that peace and stability tend to increase wealth concentration over time.

Question 6

What historical examples support Scheidel’s thesis?

Accepted Answer

Key examples include:
- **World Wars**: Reduced top income shares in Europe via destruction, inflation, and progressive taxation.
- **Black Death**: Labor shortages raised wages for peasants in medieval Europe.
- **Communist Revolutions**: Eliminated private wealth in Russia and China through forced redistribution.

Question 7

Does *The Great Leveler* suggest violence is necessary for equality?

Accepted Answer

While Scheidel observes that violence has been the primary driver of leveling, he questions whether modern societies can achieve equality peacefully. He acknowledges the moral repugnance of past methods but warns that without systemic reforms, inequality may persist or worsen.

Question 8

What are criticisms of *The Great Leveler*?

Accepted Answer

Critics argue Scheidel underestimates peaceful reforms’ potential (e.g., New Deal policies) and overemphasizes Western examples. Some note that the "Four Horsemen" framework ignores cultural and technological factors influencing inequality. Others question its pessimistic outlook for contemporary policy solutions.

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Key takeaways

When Inequality Meets Catastrophe

The Four Horsemen of Economic Leveling

From Egalitarian Origins to Stratified Societies

Empires as Inequality Machines

The Great Compression of the Twentieth Century

The Return of Inequality and Future Prospects

The Great Leveler by Walter Scheidel Summary

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Key takeaways

When Inequality Meets Catastrophe

The Four Horsemen of Economic Leveling

From Egalitarian Origins to Stratified Societies

Empires as Inequality Machines

The Great Compression of the Twentieth Century

The Return of Inequality and Future Prospects

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