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When I read Equality. What It Is and Why It Matters, I was immediately drawn into the dialogue between Thomas Piketty and Michael Sandel. Their combination of economic and philosophical insights makes this book a compelling and thought-provoking work. However, the interaction between their perspectives is not always balanced. Piketty remains committed to economic redistribution as the solution, while Sandel places greater emphasis on moral and political dimensions. As a result, certain structural questions regarding the feasibility of their ideas remain unanswered.

This book is more than just a dry academic treatise. The conversational format makes it accessible and encourages reflection. However, this accessibility sometimes comes at the expense of depth. The authors draw inspiration from the work of Richard Wilkinson and Kate Pickett, adding another layer of insight, but at times, they fall into repeating familiar arguments. For readers already familiar with Piketty and Sandel’s work, the book serves as a deepening of their dialogue, whereas newcomers may find the lack of concrete strategies a shortcoming. The fact that the book is only 156 pages makes it accessible and digestible but also limits space for thorough analysis and counterarguments.

One of the most striking insights is how Piketty and Sandel connect three forms of inequality: The first is Economic inequality � the uneven distribution of income and wealth, which has grown significantly since the 1980s. The second is Political inequality � how wealth translates into political power and influence, leading to skewed decision-making. Last but not least, there is Social inequality � the lack of recognition and dignity for people with fewer resources and less power.

What struck me was how clearly Piketty demonstrates that economic inequality reinforces the other two. As a result, people become increasingly alienated from politics and turn to populism. This is a painful reality that many Å·±¦ÓéÀÖ reviewers also noted, as they recognized these mechanisms in their own countries and lives. However, the book does not sufficiently explore the deeper causes of this trend: why has the left failed to offer a convincing alternative? The book identifies the consequences of neoliberal policies but remains relatively silent on the internal shortcomings of progressive movements and their inability to engage voters.

A key theme in the book is the role of the free market and how center-left parties have relinquished their power. Sandel explains how faith in Adam Smith’s ‘invisible hand� has placed power in the hands of multinationals and financial markets, thereby shrinking the policy space for national governments and even the EU. This has led to stagnant wages and job insecurity, a deterioration of the public sector, and a growing divide between citizens and politics.

This is all painfully familiar. As I read, I reflected on recent debates about tax reforms and how even the smallest progressive measures are immediately opposed by entrenched interests. The frustration many people feel about this is evident throughout the book. However, I missed a more in-depth analysis of how these power structures have become so dominant and how they could be effectively dismantled. The book states that neoliberal ideology is dominant but offers little insight into how this has historically developed and what power dynamics sustain it.

Piketty and Sandel propose concrete solutions to tackle inequality. First, there is decommodification: essential sectors such as healthcare and education must be protected from market forces. Many Å·±¦ÓéÀÖ readers found this idea compelling, as it feels like a necessary correction to current trends. However, the question remains whether this is feasible in a world where economic interests dominate and where there is structural resistance from both the private sector and politics. Second, there is progressive taxation: the wealthy should contribute their fair share, something that was once standard in the U.S. but now seems unthinkable. History shows that this can work, provided it is implemented at a broad international level. Yet, implementation remains an open question. How do we prevent capital flight? How do we build political consensus in an increasingly polarized world?

What I found inspiring is that the authors do not dwell on abstract theories. They provide concrete examples and reference previous periods when progressive tax policies were effective. Still, the big question remains: how do we achieve this in a world where power is so unequally distributed? The nuance missing here is that these solutions cannot exist in isolation; without structural political change, tax reform is merely a temporary fix.

One of the most fascinating insights was the reference to Herbert Marcuse. He warned that capitalism has the ability to absorb and commercialize protest movements. This raises the question of whether change from within is possible. In Å·±¦ÓéÀÖ reviews, I saw this skepticism echoed: many readers found the analysis convincing but questioned whether there will ever be the political will to truly address inequality.

Sandel and Piketty suggest that the climate crisis could be the decisive factor. The way the economy handles environmental challenges could be the catalyst for larger reforms. This made me wonder: is this the crisis needed to bring about real change? At the same time, I question whether we are caught in a vicious cycle where we continually wait for the ‘ultimate crisis� to force change, while powerful economic players find ways to maintain their influence.

My conclusion is that Equality. What It Is and Why It Matters is one of the most impactful books I have read recently. It does not provide easy answers but challenges readers to reflect on the foundations of our society. However, the book remains too abstract and optimistic in many areas. It identifies the symptoms of inequality and presents plausible solutions, but it is vague on their practical feasibility. Those looking for a detailed action plan or concrete strategies to curb the power of multinationals and elites will find few answers here.

I would recommend this book to anyone interested in economics, philosophy, and politics, but with the caveat that it is primarily a starting point for thought—not a manual for change.