The Revolt of the Elites and the Betrayal of Democracy

Christopher Lasch

Recommended By

Book Synopsis

"The Revolt of the Elites and the Betrayal of Democracy" by Christopher Lasch is a thought-provoking analysis of contemporary society and its deepening divide between the elites and the rest of the population. Lasch argues that the rise of a disconnected and self-perpetuating elite class has eroded the foundations of democracy.

In his exploration, Lasch reveals how the elites, who comprise the intellectual and professional classes, have abandoned their responsibility towards the greater society. Instead of using their knowledge and resources to promote the common good, they have embraced a globalist ideology that prioritizes their own interests.

Lasch identifies the ways in which elites have consolidated power and influence, establishing a system that perpetuates their privileged position and marginalizes the majority. This includes the trend of outsourcing jobs, leaving behind the working class and middle class who face economic uncertainties. Moreover, Lasch examines the impact of mass media and the entertainment industry, which play a significant role in promoting the values and experiences of the elites, further alienating the average citizen.

The author highlights the consequences of this growing divide, particularly in politics. Lasch argues that democratic principles are undermined when the elites prioritize their own interests above those of the larger society. This results in a detached political class that is out of touch with the real concerns of the people, leading to disillusionment and the rise of populist movements.

Lasch's critique extends beyond the elites themselves, as he also questions the complicity of the intellectual class, including academics, in perpetuating this betrayal of democracy. He calls for a re-engagement of intellectuals with the problems affecting the majority, urging them to prioritize the well-being of society rather than positioning themselves as detached observers.

"The Revolt of the Elites and the Betrayal of Democracy" is a compelling and incisive examination of the contemporary state of democracy. Lasch's work serves as a rallying cry for a return to democratic values and a challenge to the entrenched interests that threaten the foundations of a just society.

Explore More Books

See All
Radical Uncertainty
Information
It's Earnings That Count
Entangled Life
The Signal and the Noise
Nothing To Lose
The 80/20 Principle
Think Like a Rocket Scientist
A Matter of Degrees
Writing My Wrongs
Mindfulness in Plain English
The Power of Broke
Call of the Reed Warbler
The Forgotten Man
World Order
Startups
Anthropic Bias
P53
Energy And Civilization
Why We Sleep
The Golden Compass
Sexual Personae
Smart People Should Build Things
The Trap
Saving Capitalism from Short Termism
Fahrenheit 451
A Woman Makes a Plan
Models. Behaving. Badly.
The Death of the Artist
Chasing Hillary
How To Talk to Anyone
Strength In Stillness
Grit
Ford vs. Ferrari
Public Opinion
Lean Thinking
Dopamine Detox
Intellectuals and Society
The Only Investment Guide You'll Ever Need
Tools of Titans
The Dragons of Eden
Defend The Border and Save Lives
How Google Works
Out of the Crisis
Poor Charlie's Almanack
The Third Chimpanzee
Pippi Longstocking
The Power of Relentless
The Billionaire Shell Game
A Whole New Mind
The Inflamed Mind
Old Man and the Sea
Bad News
Being Aware of Being Aware
The Blind Watchmaker
United States of Socialism
Moonwalking with Einstein
Fallen Dragon
Slouching Towards Bethlehem
On The Principles of Political Economy and Taxation
Out of Mao's Shadow
Adaptive Markets
The Vision of the Annointed
Fertility Pastures
The Act of Creation
Central Banking 101
River Out of Eden
Fall; or, Dodge in Hell
A Story Lately Told
The Boys Vol. 1
The Discovery of France
The Wisdom of Life
Work Hard. Be Nice.
Dog Man
Talent
Frames of Mind
The Book of Five Rings
Architects of the Web
The Second World War
The Grapes of Wrath
Bitcoin and Black America
Americana
Defender In Chief
Under Saturn's Shadow
Who
The Master and Margarita
Platform Revolution
The Making of Europe
Globalizing Capital
The Viral Storm
Planta Sapiens
Experimental Man
In Praise of Slowness
An Inconvenient Truth
Mohandas K. Ghandi
The Rise of the Rest
Can't Hurt Me
The City In History
The Survivor
Washington