The Revolt of the Elites and the Betrayal of Democracy

Christopher Lasch

Recommended By

Book Synopsis

"The Revolt of the Elites and the Betrayal of Democracy" by Christopher Lasch is a thought-provoking analysis of contemporary society and its deepening divide between the elites and the rest of the population. Lasch argues that the rise of a disconnected and self-perpetuating elite class has eroded the foundations of democracy.

In his exploration, Lasch reveals how the elites, who comprise the intellectual and professional classes, have abandoned their responsibility towards the greater society. Instead of using their knowledge and resources to promote the common good, they have embraced a globalist ideology that prioritizes their own interests.

Lasch identifies the ways in which elites have consolidated power and influence, establishing a system that perpetuates their privileged position and marginalizes the majority. This includes the trend of outsourcing jobs, leaving behind the working class and middle class who face economic uncertainties. Moreover, Lasch examines the impact of mass media and the entertainment industry, which play a significant role in promoting the values and experiences of the elites, further alienating the average citizen.

The author highlights the consequences of this growing divide, particularly in politics. Lasch argues that democratic principles are undermined when the elites prioritize their own interests above those of the larger society. This results in a detached political class that is out of touch with the real concerns of the people, leading to disillusionment and the rise of populist movements.

Lasch's critique extends beyond the elites themselves, as he also questions the complicity of the intellectual class, including academics, in perpetuating this betrayal of democracy. He calls for a re-engagement of intellectuals with the problems affecting the majority, urging them to prioritize the well-being of society rather than positioning themselves as detached observers.

"The Revolt of the Elites and the Betrayal of Democracy" is a compelling and incisive examination of the contemporary state of democracy. Lasch's work serves as a rallying cry for a return to democratic values and a challenge to the entrenched interests that threaten the foundations of a just society.

Explore More Books

See All
The Fourth Part of the World
High
Justice on Trial
The Third Wave
Stress Test
Iacocca
Lincoln at Gettysburg
Consider Phlebas
Out of the Crisis
Twelve Against The Gods
The Bias That Divides Us
Linchpin
Judgment in Managerial Decision Making
Triggered
Anna Karenina
Atlas Shrugged
A Short Guide to a Happy Life
Modern Aramaic (Assyrinan/Syriac) Dictionary
The Book of Five Rings
Poor Numbers
The Undercover Economist
Vagabonding
Gridiron Genius
Execution
Folk Devils and Moral Panics
The Amber Spyglass
A Short History of Financial Euphoria
The Nature of the Beast
Shadow Divers
Stranger In A Strange Land
Destined For War
The Art of  Scientific Investigation
Mastering The Market Cycle
Artificial Intelligence
The Legend of Henry Ford
The Painted Bird
Restoring Our Republic
Lessons for the Living
The World Without Us
Things Hidden Since the Foundation of the World
The Fourth Turning
The Sum of Us
Kochland
Sit Like a Buddha
Mr. Penumbra's 24-Hour Bookstore
Awakening Joy
The Ten Golden Rules of Leadership
The Tycoons
Malabar Farm
The Watchman's Rattle
Global Crisis
Smart People Should Build Things
The Purple Cow
Indistractable
Civilized to Death
The Art of Spirited Away
Building the Intentional University
Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea
A Story Lately Told
The Power of Full Engagement
Immortality
The Great Convergence
The Essential Scratch and Sniff Guide to Becoming a Wine Expert
Tales of the Unexpected
SuperFreakonomics
Friday Black
Undaunted Courage
House of Morgan
1,000 Foods To Eat Before You Die
Watchmen
Powering the Future
The Long Tail
Molecular Biology of the Cell
The Story of the Human Body
A Gentleman in Moscow
Race Against The Machine
A Curious Mind
Soon I Will Be Invincible
The Two-Parent Privelege
A Pattern Language
Home Economics
In Over Our Heads
The Upside of Inequality
How to Fail at Almost Everything and Still Win Big
Now, Discover Your Strengths
Edison
Tribe of Mentors
The World We Have Lost
Sailing Alone Around The World
The Culture Code
The Water Dancer
Rational Expectations
David Bowie
Devil's Harbor
The Conquest of Gaul
Farsighted
No Two Alike
The Back of the Napkin
The Hate U Give
The Secret Life of Salvador Dalí