> It is only redistribution that sets limits on inequality.<p>> In a flat redistribution scheme, all those possessing wealth below the mean would receive net funds, whereas those above the mean would pay. And precisely because current levels of inequality are so extreme, far more people would receive than would pay.<p>In their example, everyone has the same chances of winning/losing the same percentage of their wealth with every transaction and eventually the money trickles up until one entity has it all.<p>However, this is not how markets work. You don't spend or gain a percentage of your wealth in each transaction. It's more generally a fixed fee. Bread costs what bread costs, not k * wealth.<p>And, frankly, not all people are created equal. Not under the law. Not physically. Not geographically. Some people have advantages over other people. I know we'd like to ignore that, but we can't and we have to stop that.<p>The reality is, some people are born with disease. Some are born in the slums.<p>This is not <i>fair</i> and as a society, we should have some mechanism to balance our placement in life. I say this being born with great advantages over almost everyone. I wasn't born rich or even with a father but even a single mom wasn't enough of a disadvantage to stop me from approaching the top.<p>I live with this ... <i>guilt</i>. Why do I deserve something better than my neighbor down the street with one leg shorter than the other? How do we mathematically quantify the fairness of that?<p>We don't choose our lot in life when we are born, yet we claim everyone is equal. No they are not. We might all deserve the same rights and responsibilities, but some are smarter, cuter, stronger.<p>Where this comes into play is: Envy. When envy grows, bullying increases. Those with more are intentionally or not, socially disadvantaged by those who have less. In fact, those who have more will find themselves producing less, retracting into the shadows to go unnoticed by those with less. We build walls around our houses.<p>I <i>am</i> "privileged" so to speak. I despise that language and that social movement, but I came into the world better off and can't justify any sort of deserving it. I wear that badge with a sadness for those who have to work harder, try harder, struggle more.<p>I don't think there is a realistic solution except periodic wealth redistribution like the article suggests. I would give up some of mine for a better, more just world.