Capital in the Twenty-First Century

Consider the idea of the rising tide that lifts all boats. Do you agree or disagree with the idea that as long as everyone gets better off in absolute terms, relative poverty and inequality do not matter? Use details from the text or outside sources to support your answer.

Discuss the idea of the rentier class. What is this class and when did it emerge? Does it still exist in the 21st century?

Throughout the text, Piketty addresses both abstract economic forces and political “shocks” such as war and revolution? What is Piketty’s view of the relationship between these two elements? Can they ever be completely distinguished or are the inextricably linked?

Discuss the view that even extreme inequalities can be justified if they are based on merit. What is the value of meritocracy? What are its limits? Use details from the text or outside sources to support your answer.

Define and discuss the idea of marginal productivity. In the text, Piketty seems skeptical of this idea. How far can the marginal productivity of a worker ever be accurately measured?

What is the relationship between contemporary entrepreneurs and rentiers? Use details from the text to support your answer.

To what extent is inflation a sensible way of reducing public debt? What are its benefits and downsides? Are there better alternatives?

In what ways can contemporary culture reinforce and perpetuate inequality? Discuss how Piketty considers this topic and use outside examples to support your answer.