Business & Economics
Belknap Press
2014
640
The main driver of inequality--returns on capital that exceed the rate of economic growth--is again threatening to generate extreme discontent and undermine democratic values. Thomas Piketty's findings in this ambitious, original, rigorous work will transform debate and set the agenda for the next generation of thought about wealth and inequality.
Wealth, inequality and why economics is so wrong
As I write, I am reading the book and have got up to Part 2.
I bought this book because it links in well with Why the West Rules – For Now and it is something that has interested me for quite a while. If we can understand what drives economic and political thinking then we might be able to avoid a Collapse style catastrophe. I say we – because I think I need to be part of the solution rather than part of the problem. Small as that part may be.
The discussions on (in)equity and its drivers is particularly relevant given how things are going in Australia and the kinds of decisions being made. Deprive the poor and shift that wealth to a tiny proportion of the already wealthy.
Update
This is a ground-breaking book that should be read
Not only does this book outline exactly why we have such inequality now, it also gives the most comprehensive analysis I have ever seen of the historical patterns we can observe related to distribution of capital. If you ever wanted to understand what caused the golden era of economic prosperity and widespread personal freedoms then you need ot read this book.
It is academic. It is rigorous. It is essential reading.