The twisted psychology of capitalism—and why it won’t hold sway forever
Postwar capitalism trades not on happiness but on unhappiness.
If you listen to economists talk about the world right now, you’d be forgiven for feeling a little confused. The pandemic precipitated the worst recession since the stock market crash of 1929. Now, we’re told, the U.S. and China could be heading for the fastest recovery on record. But it’s set to be uneven—a “tale of two recoveries,” according to the World Bank. The best of times for the rich. The worst of times for the poor. Same as it ever was.