Drawing on accurate, empirical data, one of the foremost conservative public intellectuals in the United States argues that political and ideological struggles have led to dangerous confusion about income inequality in America.

Issues -- Geographic factors : Waterways -- Lands -- Climate, animals and diseases -- Cultural factors : Culture and economics -- Cultural diffusion -- Culture and progress -- Social factors : Population -- Mental capabilities -- Political factors : Political institutions -- Politics and diversity -- The welfare state -- Conclusions : Economic differences -- Implications and prospects -- Goals.