Walter Scheidel

The Great Leveler: A Condensed Summary

In his book, "The Great Leveler: Violence and the History of Inequality from the Stone Age to the Twenty-First Century," renowned historian Walter Scheidel explores the patterns of inequality throughout human history and presents a compelling argument that violent shocks, such as pandemics, revolutions, and wars, have been the primary drivers of reducing inequality.

Scheidel's premise is that throughout history, inequality has been the norm rather than the exception. He challenges the widely held belief that economic development and technological progress alone can lead to a more equal society. Instead, he argues that significant social leveling has only occurred through violent upheavals that disrupt existing power structures and redistribute wealth.

The author begins by examining the prehistoric era, where hunter-gatherer societies demonstrated relatively egalitarian social structures due to their limited resources and lack of surplus. However, with the advent of agriculture and the rise of civilization, inequality became deeply ingrained in human societies. Scheidel highlights the example of ancient Rome, where extreme wealth disparities led to widespread unrest and ultimately the fall of the republic.

Moving forward in time, Scheidel analyzes the impact of pandemics, such as the Black Death in the 14th century, the Spanish flu in the early 20th century, and the HIV/AIDS epidemic in modern times. These catastrophic events caused massive death tolls, leading to labor shortages and a subsequent rise in wages for the surviving population. The redistribution of wealth, combined with the weakening of the ruling elites, resulted in a more equal society in the aftermath of these pandemics.

The book also delves into the role of violent revolutions in leveling inequality. Scheidel examines the French Revolution, the Russian Revolution, and the Chinese Revolution, among others. These revolutions, driven by popular uprisings and ideological fervor, sought to dismantle existing power structures and create a more egalitarian society. While the outcomes of these revolutions were not always successful or sustainable, they did lead to temporary reductions in inequality.

Another key argument presented by Scheidel is the role of wars in reducing inequality. The two World Wars of the 20th century, for instance, saw significant wealth destruction and forced governments to implement policies aimed at greater social equality. The author demonstrates how war-induced mobilization and state intervention resulted in reduced inequality during and after these conflicts.

Scheidel also explores the counterexamples, where violent shocks did not lead to long-term reductions in inequality. He highlights the case of the American Civil War, which although instrumental in ending slavery, failed to bring about substantial social leveling. Similarly, he examines post-colonial Africa, where independence movements did not result in significant redistribution of wealth.

Throughout the book, Scheidel supports his arguments with a wealth of evidence from diverse historical periods and regions. He draws on archaeological findings, historical documents, and statistical data to provide a comprehensive analysis of the relationship between violence, inequality, and social leveling. The author's approach is interdisciplinary, combining insights from anthropology, economics, sociology, and political science to present a nuanced and compelling narrative.

"The Great Leveler" challenges conventional wisdom and offers a thought-provoking perspective on the dynamics of inequality. Scheidel's central thesis, that violent shocks are the primary drivers of reducing inequality, provides a fresh lens through which to understand historical and contemporary social dynamics. By examining the patterns of the past, the book invites readers to critically reflect on current strategies for addressing inequality and consider the potential implications of future violent shocks on social and economic structures.

In conclusion, "The Great Leveler" presents a powerful argument that violent shocks have historically been the main catalysts for reducing inequality. Scheidel's comprehensive analysis and extensive evidence highlight the limitations of relying solely on economic growth and technological progress to address inequality. The book provides valuable insights into the complex relationship between violence, inequality, and social change, urging readers to consider the potential role of violent shocks in shaping our future societies.