Watch Capital in the Twenty-First Century

In this week's minisode, we discuss the movie Capital in the Twenty-First Century . This film is based on a book by Thomas Piketty -- a French economist who teaches at the London School of Economics. We highly recommend that you go watch this documentary, which can be found on Netflix.  Still, because it was so densely packed with insights into the evolution of our capitalist world, we thought it would be valuable to discuss some of the economic realities that this film illustrates.

Perhaps the central thrust of the film is this: Capitalism emerged in the aftermath of a feudal system characterized by extreme inequality.  While the growth of this system temporarily produced a flourishing middle class, in the 21st Century we've seen a total reversal of this trend towards equal distribution of wealth.  Using an onslaught of  vivid imagery depicting global wealth and poverty as a backdrop for it's informed analyses, Capital in the Twenty-First Century  teaches us that humanity is returning to the degree of inequality that existed in in Europe 300 years ago.

Because we are returning levels of inequality experienced in 18th Century European feudalism -- the era of kings and impoverished peasants -- we chose to drink "The Royal-Tea" as our cocktail for this episode.

The Royal-Tea

1.5 oz gin
2 oz Earl Grey tea
1 splash lemon juice
1 tsp sugar 
Garnish: lemon wheel

Pour over ice, stir and enjoy!