The Price of Civilization | Jeffrey Sachs | Talks at Google

"The Price of Civilization"
As he has done in dozens of countries around the world in the midst of economic crises, Sachs turns his unique diagnostic skills to what ails the American economy. He finds that both political parties-and many leading economists-have missed the big picture, offering shortsighted solutions such as stimulus spending or tax cuts to address complex economic problems that require deeper solutions. Sachs argues that we have profoundly underestimated globalization's long-term effects on our country, which create deep and largely unmet challenges with regard to jobs, incomes, poverty, and the environment. America's single biggest economic failure, Sachs argues, is its inability to come to grips with the new global economic realities.
Yet Sachs goes deeper than an economic diagnosis. By taking a broad, holistic approach-looking at domestic politics, geopolitics, social psychology, and the natural environment as well-Sachs reveals the larger fissures underlying our country's current crisis. He shows how Washington has consistently failed to address America's economic needs. He describes a political system that has lost its ethical moorings, in which ever-rising campaign contributions and lobbying outlays overpower the voice of the citizenry. He also looks at the crisis in our culture, in which an overstimulated and consumption-driven populace in a ferocious quest for wealth now suffers shortfalls of social trust, honesty, and compassion.
Finally, Sachs offers a plan to turn the crisis around. He argues persuasively that the problem is not America's abiding values, which remain generous and pragmatic, but the ease with which political spin and consumerism run circles around those values. He bids the reader to reclaim the virtues of good citizenship and mindfulness toward the economy and one another. Most important, he bids each of us to accept the price of civilization, so that together we can restore America to its great promise.

[@RichInk]

Honest and sincere with a great heart.

[@tuckerbugeater]

only if you can't read what he's really done

[@dr-maybe]

This guy is amazing. He understands government and I want to vote for him.

[@tuckerbugeater]

lol

[@sizla8837]

You don't have to always be a President to be an agent of Change.

[@brandonburnett5149]

Brilliant! Jeffrey Sachs, you're awesome :)

[@qones3574]

He predicted Bernie. But nearly no one could imagine people caring about getting money out of politics

[@hollywoodartchick9740]

There were multiple reliable election predictors who were sure Bernie would win in 2016. And if he had not been blatantly and repeatedly cheated, he would have. And still some defend the party that started a riot in Chicago in 1968 by nominating a pro-war candidate who didn't even run in the primaries because the youth vote went to an anti-war candidate.

[@momodouy.m.sallah3956]

Thank you very much Jeff.

[@0_________________]

he literally predicted the rise of trump in q&a.

[@clementgavi7290]

'The Price of Civilization' Yes. Human civilization. Human beings who seem to have forgotten before the civilization they must have be born and born in a reality they have created and consider a life of hope. Instead of that the price of civilization has been for millions and millions pain, misery, suffering. Millions have been ruined, exploited, millions have been treated with contempt. For some people to drink tea, lands must be grabbed with violence from others elsewhere. Millions must be impoverished. Morality, ethic, hope and the search of the glory of God can be the price of civilization.

[@run1]

Profound insight from Mr. Sachs.

[@jodalinkus5538]

Brilliant talk as usual, misgivings over the Internet's capacity to eliminate malfeasance and venality from politics though. Creative technologies and platforms are well harnessed by all sides of the political argument to promulgate policy and help secure more votes. Extra imperious online presence isn't sufficient to increase accountability of any political party.

[@Righteous628]

This is 1,000% spot on accurate. Astonishing that this was 11 yrs ago.

[@renee-mariekrugkrug3989]

Historical perspective

[@denisdaly1708]

What a great talk. He had some damning statistics, and a powerful thesis.

[@jollyyeholiver1578]

Yeah and Thatcher did exactly the same thing in Britian. Who would ever think putting the fox incharge of the hen house wouldn't work out?

[@dianafleming7371]

Dr. Sachs offers a comprehensive analysis of how the US has evolved to its present status as a declining world power. I urge all Americans to read this and similar authoritative works so as to better understand the truth about the inherent flaws and incongruities in our social, economic and political institutions structures. Time for citizens lend a deaf ear to the cacophony of baseless and predominantly senseless political rhetoric - and prepare to vote from a position of knowledge, conviction and reverence for our endangered Democracy.

[@smirhash]

great debate

[@truezyf]

war machine budget is higher than 50% in 2018. cheers.

[@yaohushuaimmanuel4988]

Google: Do not disturb my page again..... last warning

[@douglaskay9959]

Capitalism can never work for the majority by definition because it encourages a take over by the few. The USA is an example of extreme capitalism and it is a third world country. Pot holed roads, archaic railways, no health care, and millions upon millions trying to live in old shacks called mobile homes, and each and every U.S. citizen owes around $ 400,000. A young person has two choices, go to college and get a massive debt around their neck or try to get a low paying job in one of the large retail outlets. If I was unfortunate to be born in the U.S.A I would be out of there as soon as I was able.

[@MM-yl9gn]

Capitalism works when a government is beholden to the people...NOT corporations

[@1sl4nds]

10,351 views (as of this post) ^There's the problem

[@saideepakb]

5 years later, it is at 26,716. Calling it unfortunate would be an understatement.

[@25-keys44]

@@saideepakb 2 Years On and we have 40,461. Not promising.

[@johnnyang2472]

This is also happening in Singapore

[@SergeantPee]

Go to 53:00 where Sachs, as Yakkun remarks below, predicts that a political entrepreneur could capture the center (and one side, left or right) and thereby the presidency. Voila: Mr. Trump.

[@CoventGardenbeats]

I wish they would invite him back to speak and have him argument in today's America and see what are fate will be in 5 years.

[@danielhutchinson6604]

He makes a point about the dates, and the Raygun era seemed to define the lack of leadership we have seem since 1980...... Speech writers dictate Policy. Investment Bankers now install Presidents who will accommodate their profits. The world changed in 1980, and I assume one family had their hands in that change of our form of government. As we see Russia as a Capitalist Producer being forced from business to enable US LNG to take their place, the exploitation of Consumers by the wealthy, seems to display all the bad effects that Sachs described. Like JD Rockefeller buying Competing companies, or forcing Railroads to put high shipping rates on any Company that stands in the way of Standard Oil dominating the business, the US State Department forces Russia out of Business..... We have come a long way from the river burning in Cleveland......

[@tuckerbugeater]

His boyfriends Summers and Rubin kicked off QE by helping eliminate Glass Steagall. Now with crises they can justify tax and spend and even the GOP will go along because they're all paid off by Blackrock run by Larry Finklestein. Good thing Fauci was working with George Soros to coordinate the biowarfare program. Kissinger worked with Putin to create the invasion of Ukraine along with Victoria Nulandstein and Ukrainian president Zelenskystein. Now they can justify energy inflation and GO GREEN! I can't wait for the food shortages to help us get off dirty meat!

[@Barskor1]

Every time you over centralize power & authority you have abuse. Food prices: you can track the rise of food prices with the rise of Corporations running big farms & increasing costs of pesticides & fertilizers. Historically cutting spending & taxes on everyone causes a boom in the economy.

[@changkinhoon7027]

Bravo

[@emmafuentesbaltazar8801]

Yes love you too all People and then world Godbless Jesus Christ Amen Diyos Ama Ina

[@naimulhaq9626]

The comment section doesn't understand what has been said, the presentation is not very clear and is misrepresented particularly on economics. To begin with Reaganomics, it was not only about reducing tax for the rich or slashing programs for the poor, it was about a severe sin of turning America from a nation state into a corporation run as a market. Whoever benefit from the government program, must pay (demand side economics), continued into Biden era, when vaccines for India are conditional, the pandemic means nothing, even if you expect India to serve in anti-China QUAD. However, Sachs is right about Obama stimulus being ineffective, is a warning for Biden. Sachs is right about nothing is getting done in US, not a mile of high speed train line, as he complains. Biden with workers' union, just might pull off a tax increase recovery of the state in general, in line with AOC's 70 % tax, but he will have to make a FDR type deal with the workers, give up competition with China and replacing 'rivalry' with 'cooperation' as Obama and Clinton advised.

[@rv706]

55:38 - Why do they laugh when he says "Italy"? Am I missing something obvious?

[@tyn6211]

Based on the disfunction of its body politic, it should be next to the US in terms of TV hours consumed.

[@andrewmah5605]

Woodrow Wilson Got the Federal Reserve into Play on the 23rd of December 1913. When Most of Congress was Going Home for Christmas. How many Red Herrings ? 😎

[@mmcdonald043]

Nothing against Jeff, but I had the feeling the first guy at the end with questions was trying to get an answer to a question that didn't get answered...and then was ignored.

[@MrIzzyDizzy]

- there a even better explanation of the problem - in the video when capitalism hit the fan. there are alot of good ideas in the rbe - which would give us all sustainable abundance

[@profsat5]

agree

[@williamrsmith]

Dr. Sachs: Is the financial crisis really all about deregulation? What about Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac? Doesn't government distortion of the housing market deserve a mention? Given your academic crentials and high level experience, II was expecting deeper analysis from you.

[@sparXKuijper]

0:18 here from the future , 2023 , didn't get 'er done . Not enough profit in actually solving problems , so yyyeeeaaahhh 😞😖

[@Earthbjorn]

Dr. Sachs says the government (both parties) are completely incompetent, yet he calls for more government? Dr. Sach's seems to miss what is right in front of him. Private companies like Google are what make this country great while the federal government is representative of all that impedes our progress.

[@thomashahn631]

that's your term, not his. Corporations are what makes this country great? My God you're an idiot. Sorry, no other way to put it. The laughable part is that Google and other internet companies wouldn't exist right now if not for massive government investment the latter half of the 20th century: all those brilliant government scientists in universities and government labs.

[@sylviad4820]

I believe he’s stating that we need competent incorruptible people at the helm to make our government work as a decent healthy government should! What the hell is Google doing for our society?!?! He’s not asking for MORE government but a morally functioning one.

[@MrIzzyDizzy]

i would agree with that - but go further and a different direction - i really cant recall the video (6months) i will rewatch it. i did agree with an angry rant he had at the philly fed - bill still uploaded it. but i dont agree with capitalism in general not just the corruptions you mention. you mention only some of its corruptions and not its inherent flaws. my comment 6 months ago is worth exploring check out" when capitalism hits the fan also "zeitgeist moving forward" a video about the rbe

[@bamendes7]

Take the time to read Paul Ryan's review of this book in the Wall Street Journal. He, of course, dismisses Sachs's entire plan but I think it's worth checking out what a supposedly "reasonable and intelligent" politician has to say about it.

[@silversurfer4441]

Paul Ryan is a worshipper of Ayn Rand, the very personage that Sachs despises. "Reasonable and intelligent?" I don't think so, unless you regard Machiavelli as reasonable and intelligent.

[@stevenhines5550]

If I remember correctly, Paul Ryan is a douche

[@nitinchhabria9781]

U seem to v said it all except do u v the leaders who can do this change

[@janklaas6885]

50:49

[@nyoksimthong3527]

5c=5

[@nitinchhabria9781]

The problem is that msg r conved in such a way that they negativity can be felt but not proved as the msg appear so positive.the real hope r the environmentlist whether American or any other.as u stated the rich r not willing to bring about change the poor r fighting for survival and can contribute to a certain extent so only those who benifit in ways other than monetary gain such as health peace frendship and r in positions where they can do somthing about will be able to do so.i don't think America needs more industries or even modernization of the present ones immediately.first reduce or eliminate completely non productive expenses especially weapons and war making(not health and pension at all) and Americans can certainly do without high profile lifestyle expenditure,reducing its debt even if it means negative taxation (if the money flows overseas get it back but pay of America's debts and stop being the big bully at UNO) it has created so many negatives that v harmed it only in the long run that change leaders essential

[@5oclockshadowbanned154]

This individual by the name of Jeffrey Sachs is living , walking , talking , breathing proof that being rich doesn't necessarily mean one is smart.

[@PoetlaureateNFDL]

Brilliant stuff. The USA has lost its moral compass. We need to regain pride in the country again.

[@ThisSentenceIsFalse]

A call for a new progressive movement...he's also the Shock Therapy guy...interesting. I like this guy.

[@sunglee1639]

Geez. Trump took Jeffery Sachs discontent of disconnected government and government on the take, and made it his own.

[@tuckerbugeater]

His boyfriends Summers and Rubin kicked off QE by helping eliminate Glass Steagall. Now with crises they can justify tax and spend and even the GOP will go along because they're all paid off by Blackrock run by Larry Finklestein. Good thing Fauci was working with George Soros to coordinate the biowarfare program. Kissinger worked with Putin to create the invasion of Ukraine along with Victoria Nulandstein and Ukrainian president Zelenskystein. Now they can justify energy inflation and GO GREEN! I can't wait for the food shortages to help us get off dirty meat!

[@dillirana1208]

I have victorya medal sir can you take from nepal

[@MM-yl9gn]

This guy makes me super excited to work myself into an early grave giving 100% of my income to the government who then decides what to do with it while the 1% remains the 1%. Too funny

[@tuckerbugeater]

His boyfriends Summers and Rubin kicked off QE by helping eliminate Glass Steagall. Now with crises they can justify tax and spend and even the GOP will go along because they're all paid off by Blackrock run by Larry Finklestein. Good thing Fauci was working with George Soros to coordinate the biowarfare program. Kissinger worked with Putin to create the invasion of Ukraine along with Victoria Nulandstein and Ukrainian president Zelenskystein. Now they can justify energy inflation and GO GREEN! I can't wait for the food shortages to help us get off dirty meat!

[@MM-yl9gn]

@@tuckerbugeater bahaha! Wilson's wet dream finally coming to fruition but then again I would enjoy hearing an accurate geopolitical analysis of Christianity and Rome via Sachs interpretation as well. Scarcity, hysteria and religion drive markets and controls. Why need meat when 99% of the population become the chattle?

[@DavidByrne85]

yawn

[@dosomething3]

So being a crybaby is now a well rewarding profession, also known as an "economics professor" - and we are actually subsidizing this bizarre propaganda.

[@tuckerbugeater]

His boyfriends Summers and Rubin kicked off QE by helping eliminate Glass Steagall. Now with crises they can justify tax and spend and even the GOP will go along because they're all paid off by Blackrock run by Larry Finklestein. Good thing Fauci was working with George Soros to coordinate the biowarfare program. Kissinger worked with Putin to create the invasion of Ukraine along with Victoria Nulandstein and Ukrainian president Zelenskystein. Now they can justify energy inflation and GO GREEN! I can't wait for the food shortages to help us get off dirty meat!

[@DanielleTinkov]

36 minutes of my life I'm never taking back, what a waste!

[@trifulquita15]

He understands goverment but he don´t know nothing about human nature.

[@carlroberts4963]

Cilivise.people . .