The book argues that there was a trend towards higher inequality which was reversed between 1930 and 1975 due to unique circumstances: the two world wars, the Great Depression and a debt-fueled recession destroyed much wealth, particularly that owned by the elite.
书中提出目前贫富两极分化加剧的趋势在1930年到1975年有所扭转，是因为两次世界大战，大萧条及债务所带来的经济衰退摧毁了大部分财富，特别是精英的财富。