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Studies suggest we may be programmed to care less about others when we are rich—even if we had help getting there.

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Why are the rich getting richer and the poor getting poorer? Is it simply the inevitable result of capitalism, or something more?

The statistics are clear and the gap in America is getting wider between the wealthy and the not. There are economic implications to this, with some economists arguing that the expanding chasm hurts consumerism since the poor find it more difficult to spend money. There are also those who say the gap has a human consequence: with a “lifespan gap” between rich and poor, as those with little money are increasingly less likely to live as long.

But is it possible that the gap is programmed into our very nature? Are we essentially in a “rigged” game of monopoly where the rich play by their own rules, and the poor have no chance of passing go?

Watch this fascinating talk and tell us what you think.

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