Capitalism's Resilience and Its Eventual End: A Discussion with Steve Paxton

In an exhilarating journey through economic history, we welcome renowned author Steve Paxton to our podcast. His works "Unlearning Marx" (Zer0 Books 2021) and "The End of Capitalism" (Zer0 Book  2023) serve as the compass, guiding our exploration. With Steve's insights, we unravel the transformation of societies from feudalism to capitalism and ponder on what might succeed capitalism. His perspective on Marxist theory offers invaluable insights into the possible future economic systems.

Together we trace the evolution of capitalism, from its humble origins in Tudor Enclosure in England to its contemporary form. We find ourselves engrossed in a discussion about capitalism's resilience, its failure to meet the needs of those who cannot enrich the system, and the role of financialization in widening the gap of inequality. As we delve deeper, we also question capitalism's future and the inevitability of its end. 

Going beyond capitalism, Steve presents an interesting comparison between his approach and the Modern Monetary Theory (MMT). He suggests the idea of the state as an 'employer of best practice.' But what does that mean? Could this be the key to moving past capitalism and creating a more equitable society? We also analyze the impact of AI on future employment and its potential to disrupt the current state of capitalism. This episode promises a riveting discussion on the past, present, and future of capitalism, ending with Steve sharing his thoughts on the implications of AI on capitalism and jobs. Join us for this enlightening conversation!

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Crew:
Host: C. Derick Varn
Intro and Outro Music by Bitter Lake.
Intro Video Design: Jason Myles
Art Design: Corn and C. Derick Varn

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