The book’s core argument is expressed through a simple inequality: .
(Economic Growth): The annual growth of the total economy (wages and output). Piketty demonstrates that throughout most of history, (historically 4–5%) has consistently exceeded Das Kapital im 21. Jahrhundert
(historically 1–2%). This means that wealth accumulated through capital grows faster than wealth earned through labor. The book’s core argument is expressed through a
(Rate of Return): The annual return on invested capital (profits, dividends, rents). Das Kapital im 21. Jahrhundert