Unlike Brits, America’s wealthiest have lost their sense of duty

When wealth and power are attained, there are obligations to society that is responsible for that success, writes Lewis Liu. While dictating in a car on Sand Hill Road, a prime location for economic ambition, Liu feels America is rapidly losing a sense of duty that Europe still possesses.

The divide between Americans and Europeans arises from differing perspectives on wealth and power. Europeans, particularly those from old establishment families, view wealth and power as responsibilities rather than mere possessions to be wielded. This instinctive view contrasts sharply with many Americans, who rationalize their actions by believing that optimizing for personal gain ultimately benefits society in the long term.

In Silicon Valley, many young founders and tech professionals view duty as outdated. They argue that optimizing for society first would hinder their ability to accumulate wealth and protect themselves. However, when pushed on the matter, these individuals often admit that if their society collapses, they too would suffer.

Older Silicon Valley figures, on the other hand, exhibit a natural inclination towards civic duty. They emphasize responsibility, community, and the obligations successful people have towards society. Despite their individual wealth, they believe that ambition and obligation are not mutually exclusive.

The problem, according to Liu, lies in shifting the definition of success from "what are you responsible for?" to "how much have you won?" This change in perspective, possibly due to generational differences, leads to a game theory-driven mindset where defection appears rational in the short term. Ambitious individuals focus on making money, selling their companies, and securing personal benefits while neglecting their duties to society.

As more powerful individuals adopt this amoral approach, the system deteriorates. Public institutions weaken, economic and political disenfranchisement grows, trust diminishes, and anger escalates. This downward spiral creates a ratchet effect where the elite's withdrawal further deteriorates societal institutions, leading to greater inequality and anger.

If left unchecked, this cycle can evolve into oppression, which is not stable and eventually leads to human suffering, resentment, and potential violence. To prevent this, Liu suggests that society must find ways to stop the ratchet effect. This cannot be achieved merely by predicting a revolution. Instead, it requires fostering a culture that balances individual ambition with a sense of civic duty, ensuring that the benefits of success are shared across generations and across society.