Final answer:
Diamandis contrasts modern poverty with the wealth of nineteenth-century robber barons to discuss the persistent disparities in wealth and power inherent in capitalist systems. This historical perspective frames current economic inequalities and debates on whether these can be addressed through capitalist means or are systemic issues.
Step-by-step explanation:
Peter Diamandis contrasts modern poverty with the wealth of robber barons to highlight the vast disparities in wealth and the concentration of economic power that was prevalent during the Gilded Age, which is not unlike the inequality seen in modern times. He refers to the industrialists of the nineteenth century, often called robber barons, who exploited emerging technologies and business opportunities to amass significant wealth at the expense of workers and fair competition. This historical perspective serves to shed light on current economic systems and the disparity between the ultra-wealthy and the poor.
Comparing this to modern poverty, some argue, including Jeffrey Sachs, that these inequalities can be addressed within capitalism through technology and investment. Others believe that systems of inequality are inherent to capitalism, as noted by Marx and Engels. By contrasting the opulence of past industrial tycoons with modern societal struggles, Diamandis stimulates a discussion on whether the current capitalist system can equitably distribute wealth or if it inherently leads to the accumulation of wealth among a small elite, mirroring the past.