Greed is as old as storytelling itself—but it’s also more relevant than ever. In today’s hyper-capitalist, consumer-driven world, writers are continuing to explore greed not just as a personal vice, but as a cultural epidemic. Whether in fiction, nonfiction, or essays, modern literature is rich with stories that expose how greed distorts identity, warps relationships, and drives society to the brink.
In this article, we’ll look at some of the most compelling contemporary works—stories, essays, and books—that dissect the many faces of greed. We’ll also explore why this theme continues to resonate so strongly with both writers and readers.
Why Greed Still Hooks Writers—and Readers
Greed isn’t just about money anymore. Today, it’s about power, status, validation, and the illusion of success. Writers are drawn to greed because:
- It mirrors real-world systems like corporate overreach, political corruption, and toxic ambition.
- It offers endless moral gray areas, ideal for complex character development.
- It reflects a universal fear: what we might become when we want too much.
In modern literature, greed is no longer just a personal flaw—it’s systemic, subtle, and socially accepted.
1. The Wolf of Wall Street by Jordan Belfort (2007, memoir)
Jordan Belfort’s memoir (and its 2013 film adaptation) is one of the most infamous real-life stories about unchecked greed. It chronicles his rise and fall as a corrupt stockbroker who scammed millions out of investors.
Excerpt:
“Was I greedy? Yeah. But I was also smart. That’s what made it so easy.”
—Jordan Belfort
Belfort’s candid, unapologetic tone makes the story both entertaining and terrifying. It’s a raw look at financial excess and moral bankruptcy in modern capitalism.
2. Severance by Ling Ma (2018, novel)
While not about greed in the Wall Street sense, Severance brilliantly critiques corporate culture and consumerism. Set during a slow-moving apocalypse, it follows Candace, a millennial office worker who keeps going to her publishing job long after the world begins to collapse.
Excerpt:
“You go to work, send some emails, have lunch, go home, maybe watch a show, and then it starts all over again. That’s how the world keeps turning.”
—Candace Chen
The novel subtly explores the greed of systems that prioritize productivity over humanity—making it one of the most nuanced critiques of capitalism in recent fiction.
3. Bad Blood by John Carreyrou (2018, nonfiction)
This investigative bestseller exposes the story of Elizabeth Holmes and Theranos, a company built on lies, fake technology, and a greed-fueled quest for fame and billions.
Excerpt:
“It was a story too good to check.”
—John Carreyrou (on Elizabeth Holmes)
Holmes’ story is a modern-day parable about startup culture, investor gullibility, and the seductive pull of success at any cost. It’s one of the clearest real-world illustrations of how greed and ambition can warp reality.
4. The White Lotus (TV Series, 2021–present)
Though not a book, this critically acclaimed HBO series deserves mention for its sharp, character-driven exploration of wealth and greed. Each season dissects the lives of ultra-rich vacationers, revealing entitlement, exploitation, and self-delusion beneath the luxury.
Memorable Line:
“You think you’re entitled to everything you want, just because you want it.”
—Tanya McQuoid
It’s a masterclass in how greed operates quietly in relationships, power dynamics, and privilege.
5. Trick Mirror by Jia Tolentino (2019, essays)
This essay collection explores how online culture, capitalism, and modern feminism are often distorted by greed and self-interest. Tolentino’s writing is razor-sharp and incredibly relevant to life in the influencer age.
Excerpt (from “Always Be Optimizing”):
“The ideal woman… was someone who was entirely devoted to appearing as if she had no needs at all.”
—Jia Tolentino (narrator/essayist)
Tolentino’s essays dig into the subtler forms of greed—greed for attention, approval, and the illusion of effortless perfection.
6. The Circle by Dave Eggers (2013, novel)
In this dystopian satire, a young woman joins a powerful tech company (think: Google meets Facebook) that preaches transparency but gradually invades every part of private life.
Excerpt:
“Secrets are lies. Sharing is caring. Privacy is theft.”
—Mae Holland
The novel critiques the greed for data, control, and global influence under the guise of progress and innovation. It’s a cautionary tale for our digital age.
Final Thoughts: Greed as a Modern Mirror
Contemporary writers aren’t just interested in whether a character is greedy—they’re interested in why. Greed today is tied to performance, technology, systems of inequality, and the relentless pressure to succeed. It’s more nuanced, more insidious, and often, more relatable.
That’s why the theme of greed still dominates modern literature. It holds up a mirror—not just to individuals, but to the societies we’ve built.
Want to Write About Greed?
Here are a few thought-starters:
- What’s your character willing to sacrifice for success?
- How does their environment reward or punish greed?
- Is their desire truly personal—or shaped by culture, media, or trauma?
Whether you’re crafting a novel, short story, or personal essay, greed is a timeless tool for tension, transformation, and truth.