Societies of inequality

For many centuries, there has been glaring, monstrous inequality in human societies. A small number of wealthy individuals controlled all the power. Only in the twentieth century, under the influence of the October Revolution and the scientific progress of Western societies, did things start to change towards a progressive tax system and greater equality in income distribution. The level of violence decreased, people started living longer, and receiving better education. However, now there is an active reverse process: the world is becoming much less equal, less safe, and less educated. What threats does inequality pose in the 21st century? Will we be able to avoid descending into savagery once again? These are the questions raised by the French economist Thomas Piketty in his new book.