In his book “The Four,” Scott Galloway presents a compelling argument about the future of the business world and how it will be dominated by four tech giants: Amazon, Apple, Facebook, and Google. These companies have become so powerful that they are often referred to as the “Four Horsemen” of the digital age. In this book, Galloway explores the history of these companies, their current state, and what the future holds for them and the rest of the business world.
Chapter 1: The Four Horsemen
Galloway begins by introducing the four companies that will dominate the business world in the coming years. He explains how each company has a unique origin story and how they have grown to become some of the most valuable companies in the world. He also highlights the fact that these companies are not just tech companies, but rather they are “platforms” that have become integral parts of our daily lives.
Chapter 2: The Death of Competition
In this chapter, Galloway argues that the rise of these four companies has led to the death of competition in many industries. He explains how these companies use their massive scale and resources to crush smaller competitors and how this has led to a situation where many industries are now dominated by just a few players.
Chapter 3: The New Barons
Galloway argues that the rise of these four companies has also led to the rise of a new class of billionaires who wield enormous power over our economy. He explains how these individuals have used their wealth and influence to shape public policy and how this has led to a situation where the interests of these billionaires are often prioritized over those of ordinary people.
Chapter 4: The Future
In the final chapter, Galloway looks towards the future and tries to predict what the world will look like in the coming years. He argues that the power of these four companies will only continue to grow, and that they will become even more entrenched in our daily lives. He also highlights the potential dangers of this situation, including the possibility of these companies becoming too powerful and using their power to suppress dissent or manipulate public opinion.
Conclusion
Overall, “The Four” is a thought-provoking book that raises important questions about the future of the business world and the role that these powerful companies will play in shaping it. While Galloway’s arguments are compelling, they are also somewhat alarmist and suggest that these companies are already too powerful and need to be reined in. However, regardless of where you stand on this issue, “The Four” is a must-read for anyone interested in the future of business and technology.