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
The Gifts of Imperfection
The Four
The Elements of Style
The Celestine Prophecy
Foundation's Edge
When Breath Becomes Air
The Gift of Good Land
Chasing the Light
Seeing Is Forgetting the Name of the Thing One Sees
Sperm Wars
Probability Theory
Becoming Steve Jobs
Red Notice
Antifragile
The Truth about Carbs
The New Penguin Atlas of Ancient History
Bossypants
Should We Eat Meat?
All I Want to Know is Where I'm Going To Die So I'll Never Go There
Crossing the Chasm
Information
Foundations
Certain To Win
Think on These Things
How to Teach Your Baby to Read
The Activist's Media Handbook
The Robber Barons
Kill Decision
When The Wolves Bite
To Dare and to Conquer
Command
The Art of Stillness
Idea Makers
In The Plex
Thank You For Smoking
Strength In Stillness
The Oxford History of Britain
Citizen Coke
How The Scots Invented The Modern World
The Internet of Money Volume 1
Brotopia
The MAGA Doctrine
The Untethered Soul
Poor Charlie's Almanack
Killers of the Flower Moon
Wild And Crazy Guys
The Hydrogen Sonata
Market Wizards
Super Pumped
Filters Against Folly
All Quiet on the Western Front
Founders at Work
The Doors of Perception
1984
Queen of Fashion
Simple & Direct
Ignition!
Being Nixon
The Craft
Bend The Curve
Evicted
24/6
Triumphs of Experience
The Power of Broke
The Hobbit
My Years with General Motors
Intellectuals
Math, Better Explained
Competing Against Luck
How To Decide
Paper Lion
High Output Management
In Cold Blood
Co-Intelligence
Foundation and Earth
Tribal Leadership
Memoirs or Chronicle of the Fourth Crusade and the Conquest of Constantinople
A Practical Guide for Policy Analysis
Tender Is The Night
Happiness
A Few Lessons from Sherlock Holmes
The Story of Philosophy
Devil's Bargain
A Good Man
The Lord of the Rings
Clocks and Culture
Don't Shoot the Dog!
Lagom
The Curse of the Mogul
Cognitive Surplus
Why We Get Fat
Dark Towers
Glass
The Prize
Starlink
Happy Accidents
Digital Gold
The Aeneid
Sex, Drugs, and Rock 'n' Roll
The Song Machine