The Broken Ladder
How Inequality Affects the Way We Think, Live, and Die
by Keith Payne
Recommended by Barack Obama and Rachel Botsman
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Should I read this?
Recommended by 3 sources and appears in Most Recommended Books, Finance, and Politics.
A timely examination by a leading scientist of the physical, psychological, and moral effects of inequality. The levels of inequality in the world today are on a scale that have not been seen in our lifetimes, yet the disparity between rich and poor has ramifications that extend far beyond mere financial means. In The Broken Ladder psychologist Kei...
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Why recommended
Recommended by 3 sources and appears in Most Recommended Books, Finance, and Politics.
Recommended by notable people
People and public figures who have recommended this book.
Recommendation Signals
Recommendation proof is sourced from public posts, interviews, reading lists, and cited references.
Rachel Botsman
“Some books are so good you have to read them again. Keith Payne?s #brokenladder changed my understanding of the psychology of inequality and the connection between the feeling of powerlessness and control. It?s a must #rethinkreading recommendation.”
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Not sure if this is the right fit?
Consider Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell. Recommended by 31 sources.
“Outliers reads like a series of captivating magazine profiles, each unpacking a hidden factor behind extraordinary success. Gladwell’s storytelling makes complex social science accessible, but the book relies on memorable anecdotes rather than offering systematic analysis. The book explores the idea that individual brilliance rarely stands alone; success often hinges on birth dates, cultural legacies, and the 10,000-hour rule. While the narratives are strong, the book overgeneralizes from handpicked examples, leaving skeptical readers questioning the conclusions. It’s most useful as a conversation starter about luck and timing—annoying if you want a rigorous academic treatise or a how-to guide for your own life.”
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The Broken Ladder
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