Power and Progress
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Power and Progress
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Power and Progress
The extraordinary untold story of how technological change has shaped our history and determined who wins and who loses the rewards of prosperity.
Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! DescriptionThroughout history, technological change—whether through agricultural improvements in the Middle Ages, the Industrial Revolution, or today's advancements in artificial intelligence—has often been heralded as a primary driver of prosperity, working for the common good. However, the reality is more complex. The trajectory of technology is regularly shaped by the desires and beliefs of powerful individuals, leading to the accumulation of riches, social respect, cultural prominence, and political influence for those already in positions of power. For the majority, progress can often be an illusion.
In Power and Progress, Daron Acemoglu and Simon Johnson adeptly debunk modern techno-optimism through a captivating and original analysis of how technological decisions have steered the course of human history. From evocative accounts of how the economic surplus during the Middle Ages was appropriated by the ecclesiastical elite to construct grand cathedrals while the peasants starved, to contemporary scenarios where vast fortunes are amassed from digital technologies as millions confront poverty, the book reveals how technology's path is determined, and who holds the sway to influence its trajectory.
To unlock the genuine potential of innovation, it's imperative that technology fosters the creation of new jobs and opportunities rather than alienating the majority through automation and political disengagement. Acemoglu and Johnson argue for harnessing the substantial digital advancements of the past half century to develop tools that are both useful and empowering. Instead of succumbing to "so-so" technologies that merely replace workers without boosting productivity, we must reassert control from a small elite of tech magnates, who often pursue their interests with hubristic and messianic fervour.
With their pioneering economic theory and compelling vision for a better society, Acemoglu and Johnson provide the critical understanding and manifesto needed to reimagine and reshape the direction of technology. By doing so, they chart a course towards a future where true shared prosperity is achievable for all.
Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?
Power and Progress by Simon Johnson and Daron Acemoglu explores the impact of technological change on society, arguing that advancements like artificial intelligence could either exacerbate inequality or enhance prosperity, depending on our collective choices. Critics praise its clear writing, historical depth, and urgent call to steer technology for the public good. The book is seen as a crucial guide to understanding and shaping the role of technology in our future.
Book Details
INFORMATION
ISBN: 9781399804462
Publisher: John Murray Press
Format: Paperback / softback
Date Published: 18 May 2023
Country: United Kingdom
Imprint: Basic Books
Audience: Tertiary education, Professional and scholarly
DIMENSIONS
Spine width: 42.0mm
Width: 152.0mm
Height: 234.0mm
Weight: 718g
Pages: 560
About the Author
Simon Johnson (Author)
SIMON JOHNSON is the Ronald A. Kurtz Professor of Entrepreneurship in the Sloan School at MIT, where he is also head of the Global Economics and Management group. Previously chief economist at the International Monetary Fund, he has worked on global economic crises and recoveries for thirty years. Johnson has published more than 300 high-impact pieces in leading publications such as the New York Times, Washington Post, Wall Street Journal, Atlantic, and Financial Times. He is the co-author (with Jonathan Gruber) of Jump-Starting America, and (with James Kwak) of White House Burning and the national bestseller 13 Bankers. He works with entrepreneurs, elected officials, and civil society organizations around the world.Daron Acemoglu (Author) DARON ACEMOGLU is Institute Professor of Economics at MIT, researching the historical origins of prosperity, poverty, and the effects of new technologies on economic growth, employment, and inequality. He is the recipient of several awards and honours, including the John Bates Clark Medal, awarded to economists under forty judged to have made the most significant contribution to economic thought and knowledge (2005); the BBVA Frontiers of Knowledge Award in economics, finance, and management for his lifetime contributions (2016), and the Kiel Institute's Global Economy Prize in economics (2019). He is the co-author (with James Robinson) of The Narrow Corridor and the New York Times bestseller Why Nations Fail.More from Education & Reference
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