Anand Giridharadas: The Thriving World, The Wilting World, & You

Henry Crown fellow Anand Giridharadas delivers his keynote address, "The Thriving World, The Wilting World, & You," at the 2015 Aspen Action Forum.
Recorded Wednesday, July 29, 2015 at the Aspen Action Forum in Aspen, Colorado. www.aspenactionforum.org

[@ahagamama]

Anand, Those who criticize their community are the ones who love it the most. Keep up the amazing work!

[@jcortese3300]

This encapsulates my own experiences with the Generous Elite class I ran into in northern CA: they hoard money by the barrel, and donate it by the teaspoon, and think it changes the world. They donate to one charter school while ignoring that their taxes would, if they hadn't hidden their cash, have made 1,000 schools better. I imagine he made a lot of enemies during this talk ... but it's about time someone who that world would listen to said it out loud. I've known it for about two decades, but then the Aspen crowd would never have let someone like me -- the child of working-class parents who went to a state university -- in the room to begin with. in about 2000, I didn't want to believe that Audre Lorde was right when she insisted that the master's tools would never dismantle the master's house. But she was right.

[@jamyers7512]

SO TRUE SO TRUE

[@bachiano1]

Anand Giridharadas. Bringing up all the blind spots and creating such cognitive dissonance in the audience is not an easy thing to do. Your talk was seriously brave.

[@wadahalshugaa5707]

It’s amazing (and sad) how the laughter slowly faded away as the audience realized how this brilliant speaker dismantle all their fantasies of change.

[@TheRadek2108]

Anyone watching in 2019 in awe of how prophetic this talk was?

[@David-tn3tw]

He's the next Noam Chomsky

[@nestorgil4072]

...and now in 2020 amod COVID19, prophetic indeed.

[@ahagamama]

I love this speech and admire Anand greatly! I am a 74 year old, still working because I cannot afford to retire. I was just informed by my employer that they cannot afford to have me an employee, but that I must become, once again, an "outside contractor".

[@scratchfg212]

Very sorry to hear Ana. I wish you the best.

[@fjansen8601]

I wish you the best! Hope you are doing well and find a better job.

[@anishkmalpani]

Here because I read his book, and the probably the best "acknowledgements" chapter I have ever read. He's brilliant and Aspen, please don't ever take this video down.

[@mohamedfaisal9174]

9 months later, Anish, I can confirm, its indeed the best "acknowledgments" chapter I have ever listened to (by the brilliant narrative of Anand himself).

[@scratchfg212]

Likewise. I rarely read those but I didn't want to stop reading the book and was very pleasently surprised by it.

[@timshannonnd1054]

Absolute brilliance! To be that spot on, that passionate while maintaining your cool and being even handed. Not a common showing in this day and age. He's passionate and thorough and he's done his homework. Then he is such a word-smith - eloquent really. Such a breath of fresh air for someone to articulate the truth so cleanly and directly, yet without malice . A thing of beauty. He's in other video's too. He's typically eloquent and clear as a bell on his feet. Refreshing to see young people stepping up with such courage and integrity. Peace

[@jcmmanuel]

Congratulations to the Aspen INstitute for daring to put this video online (and leave it online - at least for now). Anand Giridharadas is certainly a very courageous and wise speaker. An amazing man.

[@SurenSeropian]

it's still up, thank goodness. great call to action.

[@daveerwin6981]

He knows the truth. Let's hope they don't arrange an accident for him

[@jamyers7512]

@@SurenSeropian let's send this video to assist all we know so that if this GREAT & WISE man will continue his LIFE & WORK

[@healthymealthy775]

Bravery? Man, you all are the worst. He's just another boring journalist who is a very shallow thinker. The guy hasn't said a thing that is original and for the most part, he pretty much copies off Nassim Taleb's Incerto series. Nassim has balls and is hated by all. This loser is loved by the media because he is one of them, a virtue-signaling turd.

[@mithrandir0704]

HealthyMealthy just my thought, and my intent is not to be condescending, Nassim might be s bit too intellectual for the casual youtube viewer, I’ll include myself. If a new group of people are exposed to these truths, all the better, regardless of the messenger.

[@jorgegomez524]

and later on, they all went home in their ferraris, to their millions mansions, never giving a second thought.

[@teresaamanfu7408]

Oh my goodness! I’m watching this in 2019. You are right. The rich just dismissed him.

[@SalmanRavoof]

Some of their illusions did get affected by his talk. They were drunk on the moral high ground of "changing the world" without giving up power. He's getting a lot of coverage now. I think as US goes into its next elections, the likes of him will only gain more prominence. Everyone is starting to look through the charade of the elite class.

[@David-tn3tw]

This speech brings tears to my eyes THANK YOU Mr. Giridharadas! and thank you to Aspen Institute for publishing this video unedited!!

[@michelleburchett1624]

Wow...I thought Anand Giridharadas's talk was brilliant. Brave and courageous!

[@gillianrosheuvel6750]

The room gets quiet when he gets to the meat of his speech :-)

[@lalitharavindran]

Brilliant Anand. Thank you for calling out the naked emperor (s) in the room!!

[@RonDonson]

+++++ An excellent view of our failed capitalistic former democracy, now an oligarchy, and the path to improving it to the ideals upon which this country was founded. I think former president Jimmy Carter would wholeheartedly endorse this talk.

[@jamyers7512]

We should not only endorse this talk but copy it & post it in public places we visit

[@gisellepoveda6239]

I thank you Anand Giridharadas for refocusing establishment, privilege, leadership, and justice in the 21st century. This Aspen consensus certainly fits our Latin American elite in our developing area of the world...At the risk of sounding Marxist, this consensus may actually fit ALL elites around the world for that matter. It takes courage to say this; it takes courage to listen to this; and it will take courage to change this consensus. You know that questioning the unquestionable will never bring you more friends and yet you do. I thank you for that as well: "Let the dogs bark, Sancho. It’s a sign that we are on track" -Miguel de Cervantes, Don Quixote ;)

[@souloftheage]

Sad that one must temper one's remarks with "At risk of sounding Marxist." Easier to say "I eat babies....and enjoy it.",

[@Alkalite]

"At the risk of sounding Marxist"... Sorry, how does risk play into sounding or being Marxist? Does some fascist dictator have a gun to your head?

[@adarsh7914]

Marx was also a traitor to his class. There is no greater honour

[@souloftheage]

He made this title up when Aspen asked "What is your lecture called?" And he told them this title.

[@JohnMcCullough97]

Anand's book "Winners Take All" takes a deeper dive into his premise. Great book. Very thought provoking. Broaden my frame of reference. Now, what are we going to do about it?

[@mikecapp7864]

Nice speech, it will change absolutely nothing.

[@samosa5925]

Powerful Speech.

[@scratchfg212]

“Que cojones” - awesome talk, awesome book

[@crystalparker100]

Thank you, Anand Giridharadas.

[@michaelairton3723]

I wonder two things after watching this: 1. What percentage of the people in his audience bristled while listening, and 2. Whether he was ever asked by Aspen to speak again.

[@7788Sambaboy]

Brilliant and courageous...4 years later, extreme capitalism has become worse

[@evanhadkins5532]

Thanks Anand, well said. We cut our way out from within the belly of the beast. Specifically: by meeting needs in ways that incarnate justice (and yes generosity too). Some small steps are b-corp's, the commons, co-op's, etc

[@ParidotParidigm]

Great speaker, lots of quality information that needs to be heard and implemented.

[@IndigoVagrant]

Wonderful speech and message.

[@nsn5564]

Probably the most important video on youtube and sitting here in Sept 2020 at 64K views.

[@avadheshsharma1173]

More I hear him, more are I like him.

[@edisonliburd7817]

soul searching indeed

[@ugprashanth]

The "Truth has no path" moment

[@bhaveatul]

Changed everything for AG. Bold. "Do more good, not less harm". "We may not be as virtuous as we think we are". "Pepsi the drink, Koch the brothers". And if you want to learn how to open a speech - listen to each and every one given by AG.

[@khurmiful]

I gather he hasn’t been invited back to Aspen since this speech.

[@marygracelongphotographyll6432]

Bravo!

[@Guitarramistica]

This guy speeech genious analysis on all he social, economical and political problems we face have pierced teh veil of ignorance and manipulations by the power of understanding and critical analysis beyond fallacies..

[@NihouNi]

Here in the UK, as we debate which person who none of us wants could become Prime Minister, I wish we could co-opt Anand somehow, as a voice of reason and sanity where too often there is nothing but tinkering.

[@bhaveatul]

"They seem to know where they are going, the ones who walk away from Omelas"

[@har8397]

We love him

[@Bestline7]

Anand is the living embodiment of intellectual honesty. A true traitor to his class. I'm surprised they didn't send him straight to the gallows after this extraordinarily impertinent speech.

[@pegg3325]

Bravo!!!!

[@abubakar31]

The stand ovation was cut out

[@carlettagoodrichmann1513]

PALM a proper introduction is necessary. I am certain he or she would be honored. LOVE Hearing you daily. FISHER LEACH ESTATES blessings.

[@buckeye200175]

Buying influence is much easier than influencing

[@har8397]

I love him

[@mk1st]

Under the present system "Giving back" typically comes with a tax break which ultimately benefits the giver's bottom line in some way. There is not any singular way that capitalism can be set up, there are options within it.

[@vikasgsclasses3854]

Great

[@roobsg88]

just read the book... only 56k views??

[@jacktracy4845]

Bravo.

[@ulathomas37]

The system is not reformable; too great is the love for money. But we the people do get the sense, that this system is unsustainable and doomed; what a liberation when it comes crashing down! 😁

[@AbtinX]

You can see he's actually nervous. My man!

[@capitalt3977]

Balls of steel

[@richardouvrier3078]

Yes, OctopusSquid, Dutch Bacon, Lettuce Cheese tax sandwich, tax havens. Thanks, mate, nice speech, An and.

[@ronaldgarrison8478]

It's really hard to be critical of something when it's expressed only in generalities.

[@jimlosinsky5548]

The next President of the United States: Anand Giridharadas !!!!!!!!!!!

[@maurizianegri1]

Il coraggio, è stato ascoltato.... non è ascoltato! È parte del sistema anche il dissenso?!

[@darlenemitchell114]

Anand, I wish you hadn't kept repeating how much this community meant to you. Was that authentic? If so, will they take to heart your words? I also want to say you are in good company. There is a new message from God in the world and this is what it says about the wealthy and poverty: "The peoples of the world who cannot find shelter and food and security and sanitation, they all need assistance. It is the calling for the wealthy to provide for poverty at this level. You do not need a second house or a fifth car or expensive jewelry or watches or apparel when those who are now in your care are starving and struggling to survive. Your wealth now is a resource to be given back to the world primarily. Give yourself a few comforts in a modest life. Give yourself the freedom to explore the real meaning of your life now that you do not have to struggle daily for survival...You will be able to do much good in the world with what you have, and it will restore to you your integrity and your self-respect. It will give back to you a sense of value and meaning and give you the experience that you indeed have been sent from Heaven to provide these things for a struggling humanity. Everyone in the world is on the same great ship called Earth. If part of the ship goes into disrepair, if part of the crew is not fed and sustained, well, the whole vessel is threatened." There is more.www.newmessage.org/the-message/other-revelations/poverty

[@ronaldgoss6855]

…….

[@mns8732]

Hmmm he's not willing to give up Aspen to live an authentic life.

[@uncleteam]

day tripper To change a system it helps to be part of it. You’re not going to train athletes team from your couch. Wake up 🐑

[@zhouystr]

Shouldve been angrier

[@YouSoldMe]

The truth is inconvenient. Sorry your gilded life is problematic

[@varunkapur5640]

Love your ideas and content Anand, but please get a haircut.

[@queefmicester1189]

He looks like Kanye West

[@obamamaniac42]

I get the argument, but honestly, I don't buy the hand-wringing. A vague sense of guilt and even vaguer concerns about "the system" are not a full argument, and they don't serve to do much beyond causing more hand-wringing. Capitalism and free markets have created the greatest reduction of poverty- by far- in human history. I remember reading articles by people concerned about Internet.org and if anyone had even bothered asking the poor people of various countries if they wanted the Internet. Then, I read interviews of random people who would stand to benefit from Internet.org, and they were disgusted by progressives squealing over the intricacies of globalization. They wanted the Internet, and they wanted the ability to rise. What speeches like this one do is play on the progressive left's instinct to collapse into hysterics about markets; it is this reason that I'm not a progressive anymore and now consider myself a political moderate. Asking the abstract question "Does the world need more Chinese billionaires doing philanthropy?" is the kind of question only people in a liberal elite would even bother caring about. Markets bring people up, and some more than others, and it's made a few people billionaires. Even the freaking out of jobs leaving the US has resulted in those jobs moving to countries that previously suffered from huge famines, and raised living standards across the world. Hundreds of millions in China alone no longer have to worry about not having food on the table, and a middle class is forming. Yes, corruption is a problem. Yes, multinational corporations aren't Mother Teresa, and they look out for their bottom lines. As does everyone else. Deal with it. Despite the progressive left's best efforts, most people understand that the system works, and not only does it work, it's pretty awesome. Bad things come out of it- duh. Bad effects result from any system. The question is if the system is better than the alternatives, and it's not like socialism does better. Socialism has always resulted in more poverty and a lurching towards authoritarianism to maintain it. It is immoral. Capitalism works, and if a few people get rich and buy private jets instead of feeding third-world children, whatever. Take Econ 101, learn some history of socialist economies, and enjoy the fact that life right now is better than at any other point in human history because of the market-driven economy we use.

[@markphillips1057]

***** As you point out, capitalism has lifted much of the world's population out of poverty. This is good for these people, absolutely. The downside is revealed in looking beyond these short term benefits and considering the totality of our economic system's impact over the long term. Outcomes include extravagant wealth inequality and unprecedented ecological destruction, "at a profit". Economic growth has given much of the world an increase in standard of living, sure, but does so at the expense of human and natural system health taken together as a whole. In my understanding, Anand's point is not so much hand-wringing, but an appeal to realize the issues we're trying to solve are created by this system in which we exist, and that we must begin to acknowledge this. To your point about alternatives: Capitalism vs. Socialism is a false dichotomy. There are many economic models based on democratic decision making and collective ownership that transcend this binary and represent viable alternatives to both systems. Take a look at successful worker-owner cooperatives around the world such as Mondragon or the John Lewis Partnership; these businesses democratize wealth creation and decision making processes. In the United States, the Next System Project seeks to start the conversation about viable alternatives to capitalism and socialism. The great challenge of the 21st century will be to transition the global economic system to one modeled on fair, equitable ownership and democratic decision making in harmony with the natural environment. Defending capitalism as the superior "alternative" is myopic and will only dig us deeper into the hole we're in today.

[@souloftheage]

He's not speaking about himself so much, as he's not a multi-million/billionaire. You miss the point of his lecture as if there were hand wringing maybe it would be a reflection of a greater conscioussness?. His statement of "It is asked how much you've given and never asked to take less." Reminds me of the hyper-rich stating their tax payments in real, whole dollar terms(millions) and not in a percentage of the wealth they took i.e. being taxed in the single digit percentages e..g. Steve Minuchin, our Treasury Secretary and the banks he was able to steal during the financial crisis.

[@souloftheage]

".....and just be happy with the way things are." I'm sure if you lived in the 1000-1500AD you would have instead endorsed feudalism, as it was the best system yet created. A good conservative is always looking back. "EXCELSIOR" should be humankind's moto not "It could be worse" or "You dont know how good you've got it."

[@ParagMathurmd]

This speech is not a cry against capitalism. Nor is it a call for socialism. It's interesting that you see it that way. I see this as a call for more democracy. This is a call for powerful people to stop rigging the system. To stop leveraging power (money, access to politicians etc) to work against the public interest in favor of personal interest. He doesn't call for a centrally planned economy. He calls for a government that isn't owned by the elite. Regulations should be written by a government that stands above and apart from industry to foster a larger common good...goals that are defined by society through a democratic process. Capitalism can flourish in this system.

[@RYSEAmato]

big picture concern is that endless growth on a finite planet will eventually destroy most life. Humans have killed off about 60% of the wildlife on earth in the past 4 decades or so. Capitalism is largely credited with our higher standards of living. The issue now, is that we've altered the planet so much that it may become inhospitable for life during our lifetimes. It's an incredible story. If we keep down current path, we are certainly doomed long term. Short term, we have to work within current systems to come up with solutions before it's too late.