23 Things They Don't Tell You About Capitalism
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23 Things They Don't Tell You About Capitalism
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23 Things They Don't Tell You About Capitalism
Turns received economic wisdom on its head to show you how the world really works. In this book, the author destroys the biggest myths of our times and shows us an alternative view of the world, including: there's no such thing as a 'free' market Globalization isn't making the world richer; poor countries are more entrepreneurial than rich ones.
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! DescriptionIn 23 Things They Don't Tell You About Capitalism, Ha-Joon Chang, one of today's most provocative and iconoclastic thinkers, dares to dismantle some of the most deeply entrenched myths about capitalism and the global economy. Through a series of engaging, witty, and insightful essays, Chang reveals the stark realities and hidden truths that shape our understanding of economic systems. Rather than adhering to the mainstream dogma, Chang provides a critique of the modern capitalist framework by exposing 23 widely accepted but often flawed ideas about how the world operates.
The book challenges common misconceptions such as the belief in the free market as an objective and natural phenomenon. Chang argues that there is no such thing as a ‘free’ market, as all markets operate under rules and regulations set by the government or other powerful entities. He also rebuffs the notion that globalization is universally beneficial, pointing out that it has frequently exacerbated inequality rather than alleviated it.
Another eye-opening argument made by Chang is that we do not truly live in a digital age, asserting that innovations such as the washing machine have had a more transformative impact on the daily lives of people than the internet has. By examining historical and present-day examples, he stresses how advancements in simple technology have shaped our world significantly.
Chang also turns his scrutiny towards managerial practices, debunking the myth that higher-paid managers necessarily produce better results. Contrary to popular belief, he finds that lavish executive compensation often fails to correlate with superior company performance.
This galvanizing, fact-packed book does not merely critique capitalism; it also paves the way for reconsidering alternative economic models. Chang suggests that poorer countries may actually be more entrepreneurial than their wealthier counterparts, driven by necessity and ingenuity. He argues that the currently dominant free-market approach is not just harmful to people and communities, but is also a fundamentally inefficient way to run economies.
Through meticulous research and clear, accessible writing, 23 Things They Don't Tell You About Capitalism offers readers a fresh perspective on issues such as money, equality, freedom, and greed. Chang's invaluable insights and thought-provoking analysis compel readers to question the status quo and envision a more equitable and efficient economic system.
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?
Reviews describe 23 Things They Don't Tell You About Capitalism as a masterful debunking of capitalism's myths, blending wit and common sense. Observers find it important and persuasive, making a compelling case for reevaluating globalisation. Praised for myth-busting and clear writing, Ha-Joon Chang challenges neoliberalism with assertive critiques, earning admiration for his political economy insights.
Book Details
INFORMATION
ISBN: 9780141047973
Publisher: Penguin Books Ltd
Format: Paperback / softback
Date Published: 01 September 2011
Country: United Kingdom
Imprint: Penguin Books Ltd
Audience: General / adult
DIMENSIONS
Spine width: 17.0mm
Width: 129.0mm
Height: 198.0mm
Weight: 224g
Pages: 304
About the Author
Born in South Korea, No 1 International Bestselling Author Ha-Joon Chang is a specialist in development economics and Reader in the Political Economy of Development at the University of Cambridge. In 2005, Chang was awarded the Wassily Leontief Prize for Advancing the Frontiers of Economic Thought. He is author of Kicking Away the Ladder- Development Strategy in Historical Perspective (2002), which won the 2003 Gunnar Myrdal Prize, and Bad Samaritans- Rich Nations, Poor Policies and the Threat to the Developing World (2007). Since the beginning of the 2008 economic crisis, he has been a regular contributor to the Guardian, and a vocal critic of the failures of our economic system.
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