Mr Brand has quite a following from a younger generation. That is the key - a younger generation.
He's articulate , bright , engaging and probably doesn't use hard drugs anymore.
He's got a syndicated show, an itinerary of comedy gigs and televised events touting his book(s) and a load of money in his savings account.
He raises the same questions that have been raised for more than fifty years but in reality - doesn't present specific remedies to civilizations ills.
Personally speaking, George Carlin's "American Dream" was way ahead of his time
on who really controls the political agenda...Lenny Bruce prior.
At that time they didn't possess a modicum of media channels to disseminate their messages that are today's prevalent avenues of information / media distribution.
Mr Brand is just 're-hashing' visions of the past using today's examples (IMO).