Limitarianism | Is It Wrong to Be Filthy Rich?

Limitarianism | Is It Wrong to Be Filthy Rich?

From Things I Learned Last Night by Jaron Myers and Tim Stone

May 19, 2026 · 1h 9m · Episode 326

About this episode

The episode explores the concept of limitarianism and the moral implications of extreme wealth accumulation.

Is there a moral limit to how much wealth one person should accumulate? We dive into the controversial concept of limitarianism. In this episode, we break down the provocative ideas found in Ingrid Robeyns' book 'Limitarianism: The Case Against Extreme Wealth.' We explore the ethical, economic, and social arguments regarding why some believe that infinite wealth concentration undermines democracy and public well-being. Whether you are interested in political philosophy, economic theory, or social justice, this deep dive provides a balanced look at a highly debated topic. We discuss the potential impacts of extreme wealth on our environment, the influence of money in politics, and why some suggest a hard limit on net worth could actually lead to a more stable society. You will learn about the six moral arguments against super-wealth and how current systems—like the corporate structure of the Green Bay Packers—model an alternative way to manage success. Join us as we navigate these complex topics, weigh the arguments for and against income caps, and engage in some healthy debate on whether a 'moral limit' to riches is actually feasible in today's capitalist economy. Things I…

People in this episode

Hosts: Jaron Myers, Tim Stone

Topics covered

  • limitarianism
  • wealth distribution
  • moral philosophy
  • economic theory
  • social justice
  • politics

Keywords

  • limitarianism
  • wealth
  • ethics
  • democracy
  • income caps
  • social well-being
  • economic impact

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Green Bay Packers

Books & works: Limitarianism: The Case Against Extreme Wealth

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