The Rational Optimist: How Prosperity Evolves, Matt Ridley

[james22]

In a bold and provocative interpretation of economic history, Matt Ridley, the New York Times-bestselling author of Genome and The Red Queen, makes the case for an economics of hope, arguing that the benefits of commerce, technology, innovation, and change—what Ridley calls cultural evolution—will inevitably increase human prosperity. Fans of the works of Jared Diamond (Guns, Germs, and Steel), Niall Ferguson (The Ascent of Money), and Thomas Friedman (The World Is Flat) will find much to ponder and enjoy in The Rational Optimist.

 

For two hundred years the pessimists have dominated public discourse, insisting that things will soon be getting much worse. But in fact, life is getting better—and at an accelerating rate. Food availability, income, and life span are up; disease, child mortality, and violence are down all across the globe. Africa is following Asia out of poverty; the Internet, the mobile phone, and container shipping are enriching people's lives as never before.

 

An astute, refreshing, and revelatory work that covers the entire sweep of human history—from the Stone Age to the Internet—The Rational Optimist will change your way of thinking about the world for the better.

 

https://www.amazon.com/dp/0061452068?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details

 

Well-written, encouraging.

[John Hjorth]

It appears that Mr. Ridley - beside this book - has an extensive authorship attached to his name, that appears attractive, -at least for me, personally. So, thank you for directional guidance here James [ @james22 ] .

[james22]

I believe Ridley really underestimates genetics and culture in favor of his interpretation, but it's good.

[rkbabang]

 

I just finished it, thanks for the recommendation.

 

I started on his newer book "How Innovation Works: Serendipity, Energy and the Saving of Time" where he talks about innovation and what types of environments create it and which type of environments prevent it, and it's making me less optimistic as the US is clearly moving in the wrong direction and has been for some time.  For just one example out of millions of possible examples see my last post to the BYON topic.