Julia Friedrichs – Crazy Rich

In the organizer's words:

Elon Musk. Bill Gates. Mark Zuckerberg - we all know the names of the prominent super-rich, but it is only in recent months that the public discourse has begun to focus decidedly on their influence on democratic structures.

In her acclaimed non-fiction text Crazy Rich. The secret world of the super-rich, bestselling author, journalist and filmmaker Julia Friedrichs examines the reality of life for the super-rich in our society. She talked to many of them and asked what their wealth means for people. Is wealth a private matter? Do we need a different tax system? What degree of inequality can a community tolerate, can a democracy tolerate, in which, at least in theory, every vote should be worth the same? And how much can individuals claim for themselves in a world where resources are finite?

The author's research trip takes her to luxury yachts, family offices and tax havens. In discussions with academics and experts, she unearths exclusive new data about the country's wealthiest families. An eye-opening trip through the world of money and a multi-layered look at those who otherwise remain silent.

Moderator: Emily Grunert (Head of Literaturbüro NRW)