The Great Taking: Analysis

In this article we dive in the book “The Great Taking” by David Rogers Webb. (Book can be found here). In his book Webb, addresses concerns about a global financial system overhaul. Webb explores a conspiracy-like narrative involving powerful global players aiming to control and seize all financial and physical assets through engineered crises. He introduces the idea that all financial assets, including stocks, bonds, property, and deposits, are at risk of being taken away through orchestrated mechanisms in the global economy.

The book touches on historical events like the Federal Reserve’s creation, the Great Depression, and more recent financial crises. Webb discusses topics such as dematerialization of securities, manipulation of markets, and the role of central banks in steering the financial system toward this grand “taking.”

Why should you pay attention?

Although the book can feel a bit too alarmist or an unrealistic conspiracy the author is no stranger to financial markets and deserves our attention.  Webb’s life experiences, as detailed in the prologue of his book, include his firsthand exposure to the industrial collapse in the U.S. during his childhood and his subsequent immersion in the world of finance. He worked in high-pressure environments on Wall Street, navigating mergers, acquisitions, and private equity.

His insight into the operations of large financial institutions, including his experience trading in hedge funds, allowed him to develop a deep understanding of market dynamics, central banking operations, and monetary policy. This background has given him a critical perspective on how the financial system operates, which forms the basis of his claims about the global financial reset he calls “The Great Taking.” His ability to predict market movements during past crises lends credibility to his forecasts, even if they are controversial or unconventional.

Are Webb’s argument valid?

David Rogers Webb’s suggests that global financial elites, through central banks and governmental institutions, are engineering a situation to take full control of all financial assets, including personal property and corporate resources. His arguments hinge on the idea that financial crises, such as the Great Depression and more recent economic downturns, were not just accidents but part of a larger, coordinated plan to consolidate power and wealth into the hands of a few.

Points to Consider in Evaluating His Arguments:

1. Historical Analysis: Webb draws heavily on historical events like the creation of the Federal Reserve, the 2008 financial crisis, and monetary policy changes to support his claims. He also refers to concepts like the “Velocity of Money” to suggest a systemic collapse in economic growth driven by central banking policies. These are legitimate areas of study, but interpreting them as part of an overarching conspiracy requires strong evidence, which isn’t typically found in mainstream economic or historical analysis.
2. Centralization of Financial Power: There is some truth to the notion that financial power has become concentrated, particularly in the hands of central banks, large corporations, and wealthy individuals. However, whether this is the result of a long-term, intentional strategy as Webb argues, or simply the consequence of the evolving nature of capitalism and globalization, is highly debatable
3. Lack of Transparency: Webb discusses how much of the control and decision-making in global finance happens behind closed doors, out of the public’s view. This argument can resonate with those who feel that the average citizen has little control over major financial policies. But again, attributing these decisions to a singular coordinated conspiracy is a leap beyond accepted historical and economic interpretations.
4. Dematerialization of Assets: Webb focuses on how ownership of assets (such as stocks and bonds) has shifted to digital formats, leading to a lack of personal ownership. He sees this as a key step in a global plan to seize control of assets. While the digitization of assets is a real phenomenon, this argument assumes a sinister motive behind what many consider a natural technological evolution in financial systems.

While Webb raises some interesting points about centralization, power dynamics, and financial policy, his arguments rest on a framework that is speculative and largely unsupported by mainstream academic or financial analysis.

What if he is right? How to protect your wealth?

If David Rogers Webb’s forecast in The Great Taking were correct protecting individual wealth would require a strategy focused on securing assets that cannot be easily confiscated or controlled through centralized systems. Rings a bell?

Here are several strategies to consider to protect wealth in such a scenario:

1. Diversification Across Asset Classes

Diversification is key to mitigating risk, especially in uncertain financial conditions:

• Precious Metals: Gold and silver are often seen as safe-haven assets. Since they are physical and not tied to digital systems, they may provide protection if central banks move to seize digital financial assets.
• Cryptocurrencies: While Webb doesn’t directly discuss this, decentralized cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin might offer an alternative if traditional currencies or banking systems are compromised. However, governments could impose controls, so careful research into the resilience of crypto-assets is important. Bitcoin and self custody would be the best option.
• Real Assets: Tangible assets such as farmland, real estate, or commodities (oil, agricultural goods) can serve as a hedge if financial markets become unstable. However, Webb’s thesis suggests even real estate financed with debt could be at risk, so outright ownership (without debt) would be critical.

2. Internationalization of Wealth

• Holding Assets in Multiple Jurisdictions: If a single country implements strict financial controls, having assets in various international locations (offshore bank accounts, international real estate) can diversify risk. Nations with strong property rights, political stability, and historically low levels of government intervention could be safer choices.
• Dual Citizenship or Residency: Securing residency or citizenship in other countries might provide mobility and access to financial systems less affected by the global financial reset.

3. Avoiding Leverage

Webb suggests that personal and corporate debt could lead to a loss of assets. Therefore, reducing or avoiding leverage (debt) becomes critical. Maintaining outright ownership of assets (homes, businesses) without relying on borrowed money would protect them from being seized in a financial restructuring.

4. Minimizing Exposure to the Banking System

Webb warns about the possibility of financial institutions being used to seize assets. To minimize exposure:

• Hold some Physical Cash: While inflation or currency devaluation is a risk, having access to physical currency (or assets easily converted into cash) could provide short-term liquidity in times of banking system collapse.
• Alternative Payment Systems: Consider peer-to-peer payment systems or decentralized platforms that don’t rely on traditional banking infrastructure.

5. Precautionary Action in Legal and Estate Planning

• Trusts and Legal Structures: Setting up trusts or legal entities in multiple jurisdictions could protect assets by separating ownership. This could make it more difficult for any single government or authority to seize those assets.
• Estate Planning: Proper estate planning in safe jurisdictions ensures that wealth can be transferred to future generations even if there’s a major financial upheaval.

6. Physical Security and Storage

• Storing Wealth in Secure Locations: If financial assets are in physical form (gold, silver, precious gems), secure storage outside of traditional banking systems—such as private vaults—could provide added protection.
• Secure Cryptographic Storage: For digital assets like cryptocurrencies, using cold wallets (hardware wallets not connected to the internet) could protect them from hacking or seizure by authorities.

Better safe than sorry?

If Webb’s scenario of a global financial “taking” is accurate, the best strategies would focus on securing tangible, real-world assets, avoiding debt, diversifying across jurisdictions, and minimizing reliance on centralized financial systems. Physical assets like gold, real estate (owned outright), and resources like food or energy production could be especially valuable. Additionally, having a plan for personal mobility and asset protection across multiple countries could safeguard wealth in the face of systemic financial collapse.

Hopefully Webb’s scenario will remain a conspiracy theory but it is interesting to note that many of the ways one can protect its wealth again such a “taking” are the same people would use to protect themselves against the devaluation of a given fiat currency.  And here again Bitcoin shines as an interesting solution.

 

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