David Bosworth, The Cultural Contradictions of Philanthrocapitalism.
What differentiates today's ideological presumption that the same techniques, management style, and value system that helped to generate the excessive income that is funding the pledge can also correct the social defects historically associated with income inequality.
Philanthropy might provide a link from capitalists to larger, more enduring moral and democratic traditions, including those of faith, hope, love and humility. Instead, it is increasingly becoming a leveraged buyout of both government and civil society. The Philanthrocapitalist (this is Phil talking) is the one-eyed man who insists we all poke one eye out to be like him. Gates may be a good man, but how limited as a sensibility, how technocratic, and unavailable to cultural critique. Bosworth relies heavily on Emerson, you know the friend of Thoreau who invented the transistor radio?
Comments