The rise of capitalism and wealth inequality from "summary" of The Baroque Cycle by Neal Stephenson
In the grand tapestry of human history, a new force began to assert itself during the Baroque era: capitalism. The rise of capitalism brought with it a seismic shift in the way wealth was generated and distributed. No longer was wealth solely in the hands of the aristocracy; now, merchants and traders could amass fortunes through their own ingenuity and hard work. This newfound economic system created opportunities for upward mobility, allowing those with ambition and drive to climb the social ladder. However, as capitalism flourished, so too did wealth inequality. The gap between the haves and the have-nots widened, as those at the top of the economic ladder amassed vast fortunes while the lower classes struggled to make ends meet. This disparity in wealth created a social divide that became increasingly pronounced as the Baroque era progressed. The rise of capitalism also brought about a shift in societal values. Material wealth became a marker of success and status, leading to a culture of conspic...
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