Economics & Money
Are Prisons Obsolete?
Angela Y. Davis
Angela Y. Davis challenges the conventional understanding of the prison system, arguing for its abolition by meticulously tracing its historical development, its deep entanglement with racism, sexism, and capitalism, and its evolution into the 'prison industrial complex.' Drawing parallels with past abolition movements, she exposes how prisons perpetuate social inequalities and proposes radical alternatives for a more just and humane society.
The Wretched of the Earth
Frantz Fanon
A seminal work of political theory and postcolonial studies, 'The Wretched of the Earth' offers a searing analysis of the psychological and social impact of colonialism and the dynamics of decolonization. Frantz Fanon explores the role of violence in liberation struggles, the challenges of national consciousness, and the pitfalls faced by newly independent nations. With a powerful preface by Jean-Paul Sartre and a foreword by Homi K. Bhabha, this book remains a crucial text for understanding global power structures, identity, and the quest for human liberation.
Sacred Economics
Charles Eisenstein
Charles Eisenstein's 'Sacred Economics' offers a radical re-evaluation of our money system, arguing that its inherent design fosters scarcity, competition, and ecological destruction. Challenging the prevailing myths of endless growth and self-interest, Eisenstein proposes a transformative vision of a 'sacred economy' rooted in gift culture, ecological principles, and a profound shift in human identity. This book explores how a new understanding of money, value, and interconnectedness can lead to a world of abundance, community, and genuine sustainability.
Retirement Guardrails
Ian Ayres
This groundbreaking work by Ian Ayres and Quinn Curtis challenges conventional retirement plan design, arguing that fiduciaries can move beyond simply screening funds to actively promoting better outcomes. Drawing on participant-level data and empirical tests, the authors reveal how streamlining menus, eliminating common pitfalls, and implementing 'guardrails' can significantly reduce allocation mistakes and enhance retirement success. Essential reading for anyone involved in managing or advising on retirement plans, this book offers practical, data-driven strategies for proactive fiduciaries to design menus that guide participants toward optimal financial choices.
The Big Myth
Naomi Oreskes
Uncover the untold story of how American business meticulously crafted and propagated the 'myth of the free market,' systematically teaching generations to distrust government and embrace market fundamentalism. This meticulously researched book exposes the historical roots and devastating consequences of this ideology, from its impact on labor laws and environmental protection to its role in contemporary crises like climate change and inequality. It challenges readers to rethink the relationship between markets, government, and society, revealing how a powerful narrative shaped America's economic and political landscape.
It Can't Happen Here
Sinclair Lewis
Set in 1936, this chillingly prescient novel explores the potential rise of fascism in America through the eyes of Doremus Jessup, a Vermont newspaper editor. As a charismatic demagogue, Senator Buzz Windrip, gains power by exploiting public fear and discontent, Jessup finds himself confronting the terrifying reality that even in a nation of 'freemen,' tyranny can take root. The excerpts capture a pivotal dinner discussion where nationalist and proto-fascist sentiments are openly espoused, challenging the complacent belief that 'it can't happen here.'
This time is different
Carmen M. Reinhart
Challenging the pervasive belief that 'this time is different,' this seminal work by Carmen M. Reinhart and Kenneth S. Rogoff offers a sweeping, data-driven historical analysis of financial crises spanning eight centuries. Through meticulous examination of sovereign debt defaults, banking crises, inflation, and currency crashes across numerous countries, the authors reveal enduring patterns of financial folly and the profound costs of economic downturns. It's an essential read for understanding the origins and consequences of global financial instability.
Valuation
Tim Koller
This comprehensive guide, authored by McKinsey & Company experts, provides a practical and rigorous framework for understanding and applying company valuation. It delves into the core principles of value creation, discounted cash flow (DCF) analysis, and their application in strategic decision-making, mergers and acquisitions, capital structure, and performance management. The book aims to equip managers and investors with the tools to create lasting shareholder value, even in complex market conditions.