Economics & Money
Freakonomics
Steven D. Levitt
An unconventional exploration of the hidden side of everything. By applying economic principles to everyday riddles, this book challenges conventional wisdom and uncovers surprising truths about human behavior, incentives, and the world around us.
How Economics Explains the World
Andrew Leigh
Delve into the fascinating narrative of human history through the lens of economics. This book explores how fundamental economic principles like incentives, specialization, and trade have shaped societies, driven technological advancements, and influenced major global events from the agricultural revolution to modern challenges like climate change. Andrew Leigh makes complex economic ideas accessible, demonstrating how they provide profound insights into why the world is the way it is, without requiring any prior knowledge of the subject.
Longevity Hubs
Joseph F. Coughlin
Explore the emerging concept of 'longevity hubs' – geographic centers of innovation dedicated to addressing the profound challenges and opportunities presented by global population aging. This book delves into the economic, social, and technological shifts driven by an aging world, examining how regions are developing groundbreaking products, services, and policies to support older adults. Discover the immense economic power of the 'longevity economy' and the critical need for innovation in areas like healthcare, finance, caregiving, and urban design, while confronting the biases and market failures that often overlook this vital demographic.
Power and Progress
Daron Acemoglu
In this groundbreaking book, two renowned economists challenge the pervasive techno-optimism of our age, arguing that technological progress does not automatically lead to shared prosperity. Drawing on a thousand years of history, from the agricultural revolution to the rise of AI, Acemoglu and Johnson reveal how the benefits of innovation have often been captured by a narrow elite, leading to increased inequality and social disruption. They contend that whether technology serves the common good or exacerbates societal divides is a matter of deliberate economic, social, and political choices, urging readers to reclaim control over the direction of technological development to build a more equitable future.
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.
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.
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.
Dealing with China
Henry M. Paulson Jr.
A former Treasury Secretary and Goldman Sachs CEO shares his experiences working with China and offers insights into the country's economic rise, its challenges, and how the U.S. should approach its relationship with the global superpower.