How economic inequality controls your life | Gary Stevenson | Full interview
152Gary Stevenson @garyseconomics discusses why he left a lucrative trading career to campaign for taxing the rich.
Why should we care so much about economic inequality?
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Gary Stevenson has had a storied career from financial trader to inequality activist to YouTuber to author. After he was Citibank's most profitable trader betting on the collapse of living standards for ordinary people, he had a moment of revelation and now devotes himself to tackling what he sees as our society's greatest problem. In this interview at the HowTheLightGetsIn festival, Gary argues that we urgently need to tackle inequality, or we will all face dire consequences.
#inequality #economics #trading
Gary Stevenson (born 1986 in Ilford) is a British economist, former financial trader, and YouTuber known for his economic analysis and activism against economic inequality. Interviewed by Alyssa Erspamer.
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00:00 Introduction
00:40 What made you want to pursue a career in finance?
01:29 Does finance have any value to society?
02:55 Were your colleagues as critical as you?
03:56 In an ideal society, would anyone make millions?
05:12 How do we change our money-hungry mentality?
06:54 Do you want to overturn capitalism?
07:48 What do you think of Keir Starmer’s government?
08:42 Are you collaborating with other millionaires to impact politics?
09:42 Is it helpful to attack the super rich?
10:54 What do you think of the Financial Times article claiming you’re a liar?
12:38 Did you work with any women during your time at Citibank?
13:18 Don’t you think your emphasis on being the best trader
reinforces the idea that people should strive to be rich?
14:55 How will you bring your campaign for economic equality forward?
16:15 Are there any positive predictions?
17:39 What do your friends back home think of your ideas
and your class jump?
18:38 Why did you leave the trading floor so young?
19:35 Why do so many in the City turn to spirituality?
20:34 Have you thought of entering politics?
21:36 Would taxing the rich solve our problems?
23:38 Do you think the UK is uniquely class-focused?
24:17 Do you think a meritocracy is a viable substitution?
25:30 Do you think the rich collaborate against the poor and middle class?
26:31 What would you say to people who accuse you
of delivering an oversimplified message?
27:22 Have you received a positive response from ordinary people?
29:15 Would you ever give up your wealth?
30:46 At this moment in time, does your money mainly come
from interest on your own wealth?
31:15 What do you say to a young person asking how to make money?
33:30 Do you think social media helps to educate?
34:37 Do you predict any positive change?
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