Books matching: economic growth
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Save:The Affluent Society by John Kenneth Galbraith delves into the economic landscape with original ideas and accessible explanations. Galbraith's writing style showcases intellectual superiority and a knack for constructing complete and persuasive explanations that transcend traditional economic discourse. The book offers insights into the need for a paradigm shift to handle abundance effectively and advocates for a more liberal view of economics that is relevant to all readers.
WEALTH IS NOT without its advantages and the case to the contrary, although it has often been made, has never proved widely persuasive. But, beyond doubt, wealth is the relentless enemy of understandi...1958•302 pages - #2
Save:A clear, engaging economic history that makes sense of today by exploring the not-so-miraculous "normal" times after the postwar boom. It's a must for world economy enthusiasts, but data nerds and nitpickers may find it less satisfying.
'An Extraordinary Time: The End of the Postwar Boom and the Return of the Ordinary Economy' by Marc Levinson delves into the economic history of the world post-1970s, exploring the structural issues that have shaped the global economy. Levinson meticulously covers the political landscape, the impact of various policies, and the underlying reasons for the economic challenges faced by different generations, providing a detailed account of the transition from the postwar economic boom to the current ordinary economy. Through a chronological collection of journalistic commentary, the book examines events leading up to the economic slowdown after the Oil Crisis of 1973 and the subsequent struggles faced by advanced countries in maintaining economic growth and narrowing income gaps.
Only a real optimist would have thought that Arlington, Texas, had particular promise. Straddling the Texas & Pacific Railroad line between Dallas and Fort Worth, on the plains above the winding Trini...November 2016•366 pages - #3
Save:A thought-provoking classic that challenges how we measure progress - full of powerful ideas, just be ready for some dense theory along the way.
'Development as Freedom' by Amartya Sen is a thought-provoking book that explores the relationship between freedom and economic development. Sen argues that individual freedom is not only a means but also the end goal of development, challenging traditional measures of economic progress like Gross National Product. Through a blend of economic analysis and moral philosophy, Sen delves into the philosophical complexities of development, drawing on a wide range of influences from Adam Smith to Karl Marx. The book discusses the importance of political freedoms, economic opportunities, and social opportunities in assessing a country's development, emphasizing the significance of freedoms like access to food, education, and medical services.
Sen's writing style combines deep philosophical insights with economic theories, offering a unique perspective on how freedom should be at the core of a country's development agenda. The book navigates through complex topics such as famines, social constraints, and the empowerment of women, presenting original ideas alongside more established concepts. 'Development as Freedom' challenges readers to rethink traditional notions of economic development and highlights the essential role of individual freedoms in shaping a society's progress.
1999•385 pages 'Beyond Growth: The Economics of Sustainable Development' by Herman E. Daly delves into the concept of sustainable development and the need to shift away from the traditional focus on economic growth. Daly challenges the neoclassical economic model and emphasizes the importance of considering biophysical and ethicosocial limits when discussing allocation, distribution, and the scale of the human economy. Through his writing, Daly provides insights into the flaws of conventional market assumptions and offers solutions for achieving sustainable development by rethinking the current economic paradigm.
Sustainability has had a hard time breaking into economic theory because the economics of the past fifty years has been overwhelmingly devoted to economic growth. The term “economic growth” has in pra...1996•262 pagesA thought-provoking, hopeful, and surprisingly readable call to rethink our obsession with growth. "Less is More" will challenge your assumptions - whether you’re a climate-action newbie or a seasoned eco-warrior.
'Less is More: How Degrowth Will Save the World' by Jason Hickel is a well-written exploration of challenging growthism ideologies and advocating for degrowth. It provides a concise introduction to the history of capitalism, the need for reducing material consumption, and transitioning to renewable energy. The author presents a compelling case for shifting from perpetual growth to a regenerative ecological economics story, emphasizing balance, biodiversity, and community values.
We humans have been on this planet for nearly 300,000 years; fully evolved, fully intelligent, exactly as we are today. For approximately 97% of that time our ancestors lived in relative harmony with...August 2020•330 pages- #6
Save:A powerful, eye-opening blend of economic history and personal stories that exposes how American capitalism was built on slavery’s horrors. Not always an easy read, but an essential one for anyone serious about understanding America’s past and present.
In "The Half Has Never Been Told: Slavery and the Making of American Capitalism" by Edward E. Baptist, the author meticulously examines the relationship between slavery and the American economic system. Through solid statistics and argument, Baptist demonstrates how American economic growth was powered by the forced toil of enslaved people, particularly in the cotton industry. The book interweaves personal narratives of enslaved individuals with rigorous research to highlight the economic dominance of slavery in shaping the national economy in the years leading up to the Civil War. Baptist's writing style is described as clear, detailed, and searing, offering a deep dive into the brutal realities of slavery and its lasting impact on American society.
ABEAUTIFUL LATE APRIL DAY, seventy-two years after slavery ended in the United States. Claude Anderson parks his car on the side of Holbrook Street in Danville. On the porch of number 513, he rearrang...2013•553 pages - #7
Save:A lively, thought-provoking manifesto for optimism about human progress - equal parts inspiring and contrarian, but keep your critical thinking hat on while you read.
"The Rational Optimist" by Matt Ridley explores the concept that exchange of ideas and trade are the driving forces behind innovation and progress in human society. Ridley argues that throughout history, the exchange of ideas has led to cultural evolution and collective intelligence, ultimately spurring economic growth and improving quality of life. He challenges conventional pessimism by presenting evidence of how human society has continuously advanced through innovation, specialization, and the division of labor, emphasizing the importance of optimism and ambition in driving economic progress. Ridley's writing style is engaging and thought-provoking, prompting readers to reconsider their assumptions and embrace the potential for innovative solutions to societal issues.
By the middle of this century the human race will have expanded in ten thousand years from less than ten million to nearly ten billion people. Some of the billions alive today still live in misery and...June 2010•456 pages 'The Party: The Secret World of China's Communist Rulers' by Richard McGregor delves into the inner workings of the Chinese Communist Party, exploring its history, power dynamics, and influence on various aspects of Chinese society. McGregor provides a detailed look at how the Party operates behind the scenes, showcasing its ability to adapt and maintain power despite internal stresses and external challenges. Through anecdotes and real events, the author paints a vivid picture of the Party's role in shaping China's economy, politics, and culture, offering readers a unique insight into a system that remains largely opaque to foreigners.
It was the summer of 2008, one year into the banking crisis in the west. A small group of foreigners, called to China to give financial advice, were ushered into the walled leadership compound astride...June 2010•327 pages- #9
Save:The Birth of Plenty by William J. Bernstein is a historical exploration of the factors that lead to economic prosperity in the modern world. Through a gripping narrative, Bernstein delves into the significance of technological advancements, capital markets, property rights, and scientific rationalism in shaping the wealth of nations. The book spans centuries, highlighting key moments in history where these elements converged to create unprecedented growth and progress, offering readers a comprehensive understanding of the roots of economic success.
April 2004•420 pages The Wealth of Nations is dense but foundational - challenging at times, but eye-opening and essential for anyone serious about understanding economics or the history of ideas.
'An Inquiry into the Nature and Causes of the Wealth of Nations' by Adam Smith, published in 1776, is a seminal work in the field of political economy. It offers a theoretical foundation while also delving into economic history, monopolies, government policies, taxes, and trade associations. Smith's opinions on wealth distribution, the role of self-interest in public interest, and the economic systems of European countries are highlighted throughout the book. While some readers found the detailed analysis of historical economic data tedious, others appreciated the insightful observations and examples provided by Smith to support his theories.
The greatest improvements in the productive powers of labour, and the greater part of the skill, dexterity, and judgment, with which it is anywhere directed, or applied, seem to have been the effects...
