Feb 8 • 04:30 UTC 🇪🇸 Spain El País

Escape Right: the Invisible Secession of the Elite

The wealthiest individuals on the planet are distancing themselves from shared societal realities and considering escape plans amid global crises.

The article discusses a growing existential secession among the world's richest individuals, who are increasingly disconnecting from the common societal realm despite their physical presence. Figures like Jeff Bezos, Elon Musk, and Peter Thiel are highlighted as examples of billionaires who have begun to withdraw into a separate reality that affords them the luxury of opting out of common societal rules and public exposure. This phenomenon goes beyond mere economic disparity and touches upon deeper issues of isolation and privilege.

Moreover, the article notes that many of these wealthy individuals from Silicon Valley have devised escape plans in anticipation of potential global crises such as pandemics, climate change, or social unrest. New Zealand emerges as a favored destination for some of these elite figures, offering a sense of security and seclusion that aligns with their desires for survival outside traditional social structures. Peter Thiel's controversial acquisition of New Zealand citizenship in 2011 serves as a prominent example of this trend towards secession.

Overall, the discussion raises significant implications regarding the growing divide between the ultra-wealthy and the rest of society, highlighting the dangers of a retreating elite that may seek to disengage from the challenges faced by the broader population. It poses critical questions about social responsibility and the future of societal cohesion in light of such disparities.

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