Guido Alfani

Historian Professor Guido Alfani looks at rich people past and present and argues that the reluctance of today’s wealthy individuals to contribute to the common good is a troubling development.

Alfani says the position of the rich and super rich in Western society has always been a fragile one and often inspired social unease. Excessive wealth was considered sinful in the Middle Ages. In later times, the rich were seen as useful when they used their wealth to help in times of crisis. Alfani says the super wealthy have been reluctant to contribute in the 21st century despite retaining their riches through the financial crisis and the pandemic. He says history suggests this is a troubling development both for the rich and for the rest of us.

Alfani is professor of economic history at Bocconi University, Milan. His previous books include Calamities and the Economy in Renaissance Italy: The Grand Tour of the Horsemen of the Apocalypse.

Part of the festival’s programme of Italian literature and culture.