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The Capitalist Manifesto: Why the Global Free Market Will Save the World
A vital exploration of capitalism and the benefits it brings to global society.
Marx and Engels were right when they observed in The Communist Manifesto that free markets had in a short time created greater prosperity and more technological innovation than all previous generations combined. A century and a half later, all the evidence shows that capitalism has lifted millions from hunger and poverty.
Nonetheless, today's story about global capitalism, shared by right-wing and left-wing populists - and by large sections of the political and economic establishment - accepts that prosperity has been created, but says it ended up in far too few hands. This in turn has made it popular to talk about the global economy as a geopolitical zero-sum game, where we must fight to control new innovations, introduce trade barriers and renationalize supply chains. More generally, capitalism is also accused of fuelling glaring inequality, populist revolts, climate change and China's global conquest.
In this incisive and passionate investigation, Johan Norberg instead restates the case for capitalism and the vital role played by the free market in today's uncertain world. Ultimately, he argues that a move away from global capitalism would not only squeeze the growth out of the economy but also deepen an already large social exclusion for the vulnerable - for the world's poor, it would be a killing blow.
Marx and Engels were right when they observed in The Communist Manifesto that free markets had in a short time created greater prosperity and more technological innovation than all previous generations combined. A century and a half later, all the evidence shows that capitalism has lifted millions from hunger and poverty.
Nonetheless, today's story about global capitalism, shared by right-wing and left-wing populists - and by large sections of the political and economic establishment - accepts that prosperity has been created, but says it ended up in far too few hands. This in turn has made it popular to talk about the global economy as a geopolitical zero-sum game, where we must fight to control new innovations, introduce trade barriers and renationalize supply chains. More generally, capitalism is also accused of fuelling glaring inequality, populist revolts, climate change and China's global conquest.
In this incisive and passionate investigation, Johan Norberg instead restates the case for capitalism and the vital role played by the free market in today's uncertain world. Ultimately, he argues that a move away from global capitalism would not only squeeze the growth out of the economy but also deepen an already large social exclusion for the vulnerable - for the world's poor, it would be a killing blow.
330 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 15, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
September 3, 2023
Norberg writes a good polemic in favour of capitalism, articulating that free markets deliver better results than a planned economy. This is an up-to-date and easy-to-follow survey of world economics showing the great international economic growth and reduction of poverty over the last thirty years and post-covid, and also warning against protectionism, following the recent path of state-control and isolationism that China and others seem to have set for themselves. Norberg ends by commenting that many historical golden ages of openness and progress have been laid in ruins by authoritarian revolts and notes that capitalism needs friends and advocates.
August 29, 2023
A searing critique of those on the right and the left seeking to restrict competition and freedom. Filled with data driven examples of the benefits of individual creativity and effort versus a top down centralised system. Negates the anti growth thesis by asking which parts of recent advances you’d happily give up. Comes down hard on the bad parts of the top 1% (crony capitalists and crooks) as well as encouraging taxation of externalities such as carbon emissions. Briskly written, an easy read, but intellectually rigorous.
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September 25, 2022Tar tillbaka min pessimism, allt kommer ju gå toppen hörni!! Länge leve marknaden och alla rikingar.
April 3, 2024
This is a really fantastic book - well-argued, engaging, and data-driven. Moreover, despite its rather strident title, the book is admirably judicious in its defense of markets. I plan to use excerpts from this book in my courses in the future!
January 6, 2024
This book probably presents the best case for free market capitalism better than previous attempts and better than internet anarcho capitalists. I'm not fully convinced that all we need is free market capitalism, I am of the social democrat type but a certain focus on free markets, liberal political systems and property rights have probably been greatest factors for progress in human societies along side trade union movements and anti racist movements for example. Some of the benefits highlighted in this book could also be attributable to union/socialist movements fight for better working conditions and pay and also government regulation, there are still a lot of problem with current day capitalism but this book probably does the best job presenting the case defending some of the elements of our current economic system.
One of the interesting points made by the book is that many of the neoliberal policies were actually started by the centre left governments of USA and UK: " It was the Carter administration that deregulated aviation, railways, trucking and energy (and craft beer! Before him you would not have been allowed to drink a Samuel Adams). It was Carter who appointed Federal Reserve chairman Paul Volcker, who declared war on inflation in October 1979. Thatcher’s fight against the unions to close 115 loss-making and environmentally damaging coal mines made her admired and hated, but did you know that the two previous Labour prime ministers, Callaghan and Harold Wilson, closed no less than 257 coal mines in total? It was not libertarian ideologues that carried out the great liberalizations of the 1970s, 80s and 90s. Socialist parties began to de-socialize India, Australia and New Zealand. Protectionist parties opened the economies of Brazil and Mexico. In China, Vietnam and Chile, economic liberalization was carried out by dictators, whose hearts did not in any way beat for liberal values."
One of the interesting points made by the book is that many of the neoliberal policies were actually started by the centre left governments of USA and UK: " It was the Carter administration that deregulated aviation, railways, trucking and energy (and craft beer! Before him you would not have been allowed to drink a Samuel Adams). It was Carter who appointed Federal Reserve chairman Paul Volcker, who declared war on inflation in October 1979. Thatcher’s fight against the unions to close 115 loss-making and environmentally damaging coal mines made her admired and hated, but did you know that the two previous Labour prime ministers, Callaghan and Harold Wilson, closed no less than 257 coal mines in total? It was not libertarian ideologues that carried out the great liberalizations of the 1970s, 80s and 90s. Socialist parties began to de-socialize India, Australia and New Zealand. Protectionist parties opened the economies of Brazil and Mexico. In China, Vietnam and Chile, economic liberalization was carried out by dictators, whose hearts did not in any way beat for liberal values."
December 30, 2023
Hands down the best book on economics I've read, The Capitalist Manifesto is an easy read but extremely educational. With the growing socialist dream in the United States, this book should be required reading for all.
In Chapter 1, Norberg starts by explaining that the countries who have embraced capitalism are those who have succeeded in the last century and seen unprecedented growth and improvements in quality of life, while those who have closed their economies or implemented socialist policies are the ones still struggling to develop.
In the following three chapters, Norberg explains the absurdity of planned economies and global supply chains, as well as the improvement in job quality over the last century, and the value created by the 1%.
Other highlights are data showing the how the lower class has benefitted from capitalist societies, such as vast declines in global extreme poverty and increased income in free economies. Perhaps my favorite chapter tackles climate change, and Norberg shows that economic growth is not the problem, but the solution to climate change. Norberg does recognize issues with rising CO2 emssions, and masterfully suggests a carbon tax incentivized by lower tariffs, an idea that I have been pondering and was happy to see suggested by Norberg.
I unconditionally recommend this book to anyone with an interest in economics.
In Chapter 1, Norberg starts by explaining that the countries who have embraced capitalism are those who have succeeded in the last century and seen unprecedented growth and improvements in quality of life, while those who have closed their economies or implemented socialist policies are the ones still struggling to develop.
In the following three chapters, Norberg explains the absurdity of planned economies and global supply chains, as well as the improvement in job quality over the last century, and the value created by the 1%.
Other highlights are data showing the how the lower class has benefitted from capitalist societies, such as vast declines in global extreme poverty and increased income in free economies. Perhaps my favorite chapter tackles climate change, and Norberg shows that economic growth is not the problem, but the solution to climate change. Norberg does recognize issues with rising CO2 emssions, and masterfully suggests a carbon tax incentivized by lower tariffs, an idea that I have been pondering and was happy to see suggested by Norberg.
I unconditionally recommend this book to anyone with an interest in economics.
January 8, 2024
Norberg presenterar en konkret Nozickiansk utopi och friska framtidspositiva vindar. Den här boken förefaller både logisk och empatisk, kan rekommendera! En rolig faktabok helt enkelt som belyser strukturer av människans natur.
November 23, 2023
Brain worms
December 26, 2023
Excellent primer on why free markets both produce better outcomes and are morally superior to the alternatives
October 13, 2023
Nordberg provides us with a provocative argument in favour of capitalism and the free market. However, the book seems to dance on a difficult cord between being an “easy” read and being a scientific body. Intending to lean towards the former, the book does not really put a clear definition forward of capitalism and the free market, nor does it provide a clear problem statement. The result is an eclectic defence that feels convincing, but convincing for what? The free market? Capitalism? Democracy? Liberalism? Progress?
While these concepts are inherently tied in some way the book does not really offer a clear notion that separates any. Many of the arguments therefore suffer from some sort of causality problem. While intuitively the arguments seem to make sense; a critical reader might ask whether the statistics presented are really the result of the free market or of a small set of scientific breakthroughs that might have happened either way.
Moreover, the book sometimes seem to suffer be trying to be too provoking. It presents capitalism as being only good. Whereas, some critical notes could have deepened the analysis.
Most interesting are the final chapters where through the case study of China some arguments are made clear in a more stable and empirical fashion.
All in all still a really fun read for everyone who wants to hear a nice defence of the liberal world.
While these concepts are inherently tied in some way the book does not really offer a clear notion that separates any. Many of the arguments therefore suffer from some sort of causality problem. While intuitively the arguments seem to make sense; a critical reader might ask whether the statistics presented are really the result of the free market or of a small set of scientific breakthroughs that might have happened either way.
Moreover, the book sometimes seem to suffer be trying to be too provoking. It presents capitalism as being only good. Whereas, some critical notes could have deepened the analysis.
Most interesting are the final chapters where through the case study of China some arguments are made clear in a more stable and empirical fashion.
All in all still a really fun read for everyone who wants to hear a nice defence of the liberal world.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 10, 2023
Everyone should read this book. Yes, capitalism has lots of problems, but when critically assessed, there is no better system to create prosperity and happiness in the world. Should we strive for better? For sure, but all other systems so far conceived (socialism, feudalism, you name it) are not better. It's incredible that the following statement is surprising to so many people, but capitalism has made us wealthier, happier, freer, and more sustainable than anything else. There are so many bad ideas out there that have jeopardized the well-being of millions because we ignore this fact. All other systems, as just or reasonable as they might sound in principle, are simply wrong when critically assessed. Norberg shows compellingly that capitalism is the best system we have if we want to thrive in the world. Read it.
April 5, 2024
Liberal marknadsekonomi är det bästa!
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April 12, 2024
Johan always writes well and good to get an update on the 20 year classic.
Would probably have enjoyed a bit more of reflection from what went correct or wrong in the book.
But as a proponent of free markets it’s good to get that there are still some people that scream it out even if the rest of the world currently doesn’t listen.
Would probably have enjoyed a bit more of reflection from what went correct or wrong in the book.
But as a proponent of free markets it’s good to get that there are still some people that scream it out even if the rest of the world currently doesn’t listen.
October 25, 2023
Extraordinario libro que desmonta las principales críticas y prejuicios en contra del capitalismo, mostrando sin tapujos su superioridad, no solo práctica sino sobre todo moral, sobre cualquier otro sistema económico y social.
Es evidente que en las sociedades capitalistas la mayoría de las personas logran alcanzar un nivel de vida y una satisfacción de necesidades materiales muy superior al de las economías socialistas. Es una constante empíricamente demostrable: a mayor libertad económica, mayor progreso y desarrollo. Es por esto que, aunque el autor hace un recuento de este hecho a lo largo de la historia y en diferentes regiones del mundo, no es el énfasis principal del libro (aunque vale mucho la pena el análisis que hace de China, ya que muchos piensan, equivocadamente, que es su dirigismo y control estatal lo que la hecho progresar de manera admirable desde de Mao, cuando en realidad este progreso se debió a la progresiva privatización de los medios de producción, así como a la apertura y liberalización de su economía).
Ante esta clara y evidente superioridad material del capitalismo, se suele argumentar que es a costa de una mayor desigualdad, un continuo enfrentamiento de unos con otros (el famoso "capitalismo salvaje", sea lo que sea que eso signifique), un materialismo que degrada y ahoga las necesidades espirituales del ser humano o un consumismo desbordado que está causando irreparables daños ecológicos. Es por esto que ahora pocos siguen defendiendo abiertamente al socialismo pero muchos los siguen promoviendo, disfrazado con nombres atractivos como ecologismo, capitalismo de los stakeholders (grupos de interés), economía circular y, en general, todo tipo de iniciativas "woke" o "progresistas", como aquellas relacionadas con una pretendida diversidad, inclusión, equidad o justicia social.
A lo largo del libro el autor va demostrando, en base a razonamientos lógicos y evidencia sólida, como estas críticas al capitalismo son, en gran medida, demostrablemente falsas o son más un reflejo de la naturaleza humana y no resultado del sistema económico. El argumento central es claro: dado que en el capitalismo la única manera de progresar es sirviendo a los demás, es el sistema que mejor encausa y contiene los elementos negativos de las personas, a diferencia del socialismo, sistema en el que se pretende vivir a expensas de los demás, apropiándose arbitrariamente de su trabajo a través del Estado.
Este es, sin duda, un libro que vale la pena leer. Ojalá contribuya a un mejor entendimiento de los procesos económicos y sociales que ayude a disipar esa desconfianza cultural tan extendida, especialmente en Latinoamérica, en el sistema que representa la mejor opción para vivir en un mundo más próspero, más libre y, en definitiva, más humano.
Es evidente que en las sociedades capitalistas la mayoría de las personas logran alcanzar un nivel de vida y una satisfacción de necesidades materiales muy superior al de las economías socialistas. Es una constante empíricamente demostrable: a mayor libertad económica, mayor progreso y desarrollo. Es por esto que, aunque el autor hace un recuento de este hecho a lo largo de la historia y en diferentes regiones del mundo, no es el énfasis principal del libro (aunque vale mucho la pena el análisis que hace de China, ya que muchos piensan, equivocadamente, que es su dirigismo y control estatal lo que la hecho progresar de manera admirable desde de Mao, cuando en realidad este progreso se debió a la progresiva privatización de los medios de producción, así como a la apertura y liberalización de su economía).
Ante esta clara y evidente superioridad material del capitalismo, se suele argumentar que es a costa de una mayor desigualdad, un continuo enfrentamiento de unos con otros (el famoso "capitalismo salvaje", sea lo que sea que eso signifique), un materialismo que degrada y ahoga las necesidades espirituales del ser humano o un consumismo desbordado que está causando irreparables daños ecológicos. Es por esto que ahora pocos siguen defendiendo abiertamente al socialismo pero muchos los siguen promoviendo, disfrazado con nombres atractivos como ecologismo, capitalismo de los stakeholders (grupos de interés), economía circular y, en general, todo tipo de iniciativas "woke" o "progresistas", como aquellas relacionadas con una pretendida diversidad, inclusión, equidad o justicia social.
A lo largo del libro el autor va demostrando, en base a razonamientos lógicos y evidencia sólida, como estas críticas al capitalismo son, en gran medida, demostrablemente falsas o son más un reflejo de la naturaleza humana y no resultado del sistema económico. El argumento central es claro: dado que en el capitalismo la única manera de progresar es sirviendo a los demás, es el sistema que mejor encausa y contiene los elementos negativos de las personas, a diferencia del socialismo, sistema en el que se pretende vivir a expensas de los demás, apropiándose arbitrariamente de su trabajo a través del Estado.
Este es, sin duda, un libro que vale la pena leer. Ojalá contribuya a un mejor entendimiento de los procesos económicos y sociales que ayude a disipar esa desconfianza cultural tan extendida, especialmente en Latinoamérica, en el sistema que representa la mejor opción para vivir en un mundo más próspero, más libre y, en definitiva, más humano.
January 21, 2024
Capitalism is definitely the best way to manage the economy of a country, I have always thought that and this book gave me all the tools to confirm it and analyze the bad things it has and how to handle them.
Capitalism definitely generates wealth, it helps end poverty. They can say that there are many poor people, but since capitalism began, extreme poverty has decreased from 90% to only 10% worldwide.
But the wealth is being distributed unequally: yes, but the pie is bigger, and even if you get a smaller part of the bigger pie, it will be larger than what you would have originally.
But there are poor countries exploited by the rich: this is also a lie, as the pie grows even the poorest countries have improved. The countries that have done the worst are those that seek to live communist experiments, such as Cuba, Venezuela and other countries. in Africa.
Three interesting topics:
China: Mao achieved a total change to the world, in a second: he died. Today, although it is a communist country in name from the late 70s until 2012, it made economic reforms that have led it to be the country with the second largest GDP in the world.
However, President Xi Jinping has taken a heavy hand and is taking China back to the past. When an economic crisis comes in China, we may not know how to stop it, but it will come, because the communists tell pure lies and the country is held on "pins."
And the more cultured and educated people they have, the less they will let go of the communist leaders.
The other interesting topic is climate change: there are crazy people who deny it (Trump) but most people realize that it exists. How do you reconcile capitalism, which seems like a method of exploitation, with climate change? Simply making it a business, making clean energy cheaper than the current ones. That's what we're going for.
Is life about being happy or making money? Perhaps the issue that socialists cling to most, not everything is money. The author demonstrates with numbers how the richest countries are more supportive than those that live in poverty; Even its people are happier.
My best book of the year, so far. By the way recommended by Elon Musk.
Capitalism definitely generates wealth, it helps end poverty. They can say that there are many poor people, but since capitalism began, extreme poverty has decreased from 90% to only 10% worldwide.
But the wealth is being distributed unequally: yes, but the pie is bigger, and even if you get a smaller part of the bigger pie, it will be larger than what you would have originally.
But there are poor countries exploited by the rich: this is also a lie, as the pie grows even the poorest countries have improved. The countries that have done the worst are those that seek to live communist experiments, such as Cuba, Venezuela and other countries. in Africa.
Three interesting topics:
China: Mao achieved a total change to the world, in a second: he died. Today, although it is a communist country in name from the late 70s until 2012, it made economic reforms that have led it to be the country with the second largest GDP in the world.
However, President Xi Jinping has taken a heavy hand and is taking China back to the past. When an economic crisis comes in China, we may not know how to stop it, but it will come, because the communists tell pure lies and the country is held on "pins."
And the more cultured and educated people they have, the less they will let go of the communist leaders.
The other interesting topic is climate change: there are crazy people who deny it (Trump) but most people realize that it exists. How do you reconcile capitalism, which seems like a method of exploitation, with climate change? Simply making it a business, making clean energy cheaper than the current ones. That's what we're going for.
Is life about being happy or making money? Perhaps the issue that socialists cling to most, not everything is money. The author demonstrates with numbers how the richest countries are more supportive than those that live in poverty; Even its people are happier.
My best book of the year, so far. By the way recommended by Elon Musk.
November 24, 2023
This book is great. If you already think like the author. Or if you are 100% neutral on the topic, which is impossible.
NOTE: throughout the review, I will use terms like “communist” and “capitalist” even though I am in Ayn Rand's camp and think that these terms are so overused to have been lost their definition completely. But because the book it’s called “capitalist manifesto”, I cannot not use those terms.
The author makes a very good job in presenting figures, numbers, and statistics, which are as much objective as possible, and he does create a picture on the big benefits of a real capitalist mindset, regarding “common” metrics , such as hunger, pollution, etc. Everything is referenced, and there is a bibliography, which makes it more serious than many books on the topic.
Unfortunately, "capitalism vs socialism vs communism" is nowadays only a political topic, and as such facts and figures are not the right approach to farther ones ideas (“memetic warfare” is real). Like the book “The Rational Optimist” by Matt Ridley, this book is a compelling explanation of a political faction. In my opinion, the key error here is done by idealizing a political concept, (in this case "real" capitalism) and presenting facts and figures to support this thesis and asking for "more capitalism". Like communists generally say “real communism has not been tried anywhere“, similarly both Norberg and Ridley say: “real capitalism has not been tried anywhere”
As I said in the initial paragraph, this book is great if you already think like the author. And I personally do, so for this reason, I give this book four stars and suggest people read it, but I recognize that this is not one of those books that can change the mind of the reader (in the majority of cases at least), only strengthen one’s position. Yet I think that the honest mind can beneficiate from this book, even if the potential reader thinks differently from the author, and understand the other side of the political spectrum.
NOTE: throughout the review, I will use terms like “communist” and “capitalist” even though I am in Ayn Rand's camp and think that these terms are so overused to have been lost their definition completely. But because the book it’s called “capitalist manifesto”, I cannot not use those terms.
The author makes a very good job in presenting figures, numbers, and statistics, which are as much objective as possible, and he does create a picture on the big benefits of a real capitalist mindset, regarding “common” metrics , such as hunger, pollution, etc. Everything is referenced, and there is a bibliography, which makes it more serious than many books on the topic.
Unfortunately, "capitalism vs socialism vs communism" is nowadays only a political topic, and as such facts and figures are not the right approach to farther ones ideas (“memetic warfare” is real). Like the book “The Rational Optimist” by Matt Ridley, this book is a compelling explanation of a political faction. In my opinion, the key error here is done by idealizing a political concept, (in this case "real" capitalism) and presenting facts and figures to support this thesis and asking for "more capitalism". Like communists generally say “real communism has not been tried anywhere“, similarly both Norberg and Ridley say: “real capitalism has not been tried anywhere”
As I said in the initial paragraph, this book is great if you already think like the author. And I personally do, so for this reason, I give this book four stars and suggest people read it, but I recognize that this is not one of those books that can change the mind of the reader (in the majority of cases at least), only strengthen one’s position. Yet I think that the honest mind can beneficiate from this book, even if the potential reader thinks differently from the author, and understand the other side of the political spectrum.
April 20, 2024
Overall good book but some arguments are flawed. For instance, I don't think think that demonstrating that most people eventually reaching higher income quintiles demonstrates social mobility in any meaningful sense because in order to accumulate savings, it matters how soon people are able to reach higher income quintiles and there wasn't all that much (only a little bit) about the speed at which people are able to reach higher income quintiles.
Also, Norberg makes one argument that tariffs increase the price of goods that domestic companies sell their products at thereby causing them to have fewer sales and ultimately lay off workers, but it is not obvious to me that tariffs increase the price at which domestic companies sell at, only that they increase the price available to consumers by increasing the price of imports.
He also argues (mistakenly, it seems) that there has not been a deterioration of mental health in the past few decades. He bases this argument on self-reported metrics of loneliness, but ignores that there has been a significant increase in objective metrics of mental health (e.g. suicide rate) over the past 20 years.
Still, the book is overall well-written and convincing.
Also, Norberg makes one argument that tariffs increase the price of goods that domestic companies sell their products at thereby causing them to have fewer sales and ultimately lay off workers, but it is not obvious to me that tariffs increase the price at which domestic companies sell at, only that they increase the price available to consumers by increasing the price of imports.
He also argues (mistakenly, it seems) that there has not been a deterioration of mental health in the past few decades. He bases this argument on self-reported metrics of loneliness, but ignores that there has been a significant increase in objective metrics of mental health (e.g. suicide rate) over the past 20 years.
Still, the book is overall well-written and convincing.
September 7, 2023
Fantastisch vlot geschreven pleidooi voor vrije markt-kapitalisme. Natuurlijk, het kapitalistisch systeem kent nadelen, maar daar gaat Nordberg niet aan voorbij. De staat moet veel interveniëren om het systeem voor iedereen te laten werken (welvaartstaat), het moet monopolies breken en rent-seeking profiteurs aanpakken. Maar de algehele trend is duidelijk: geen enkel ander systeem maakt ons zo welvarend en gelukkig als het vrije marktsysteem.
Is dit niet eigenlijk een open deur? Zelfs sociaal democraten willen een kapitalistisch systeem en zijn over het algemeen voor vrijhandel, toch? Niet meer misschien: globalisering (protectionisme) en economische groei (de-growth) bekritiseren hevig het vrije marktdenken. De trend kan wel eens keren. Het boek is daarom een aanrader.
Ik geef het niet 5 sterren want af en toe gaat hij te ver. Ik vind dat de vrije markt meer beteugeld moet worden dan hij. Er is echt wel af en toe noodzaak voor industriepolitiek. En ik ben het met hem eens dat degrowth een waardeloos idee is, maar hij had het wel wat serieuzer kunnen weerleggen.
Is dit niet eigenlijk een open deur? Zelfs sociaal democraten willen een kapitalistisch systeem en zijn over het algemeen voor vrijhandel, toch? Niet meer misschien: globalisering (protectionisme) en economische groei (de-growth) bekritiseren hevig het vrije marktdenken. De trend kan wel eens keren. Het boek is daarom een aanrader.
Ik geef het niet 5 sterren want af en toe gaat hij te ver. Ik vind dat de vrije markt meer beteugeld moet worden dan hij. Er is echt wel af en toe noodzaak voor industriepolitiek. En ik ben het met hem eens dat degrowth een waardeloos idee is, maar hij had het wel wat serieuzer kunnen weerleggen.
November 8, 2023
Originally saw this on Musk's Twitter.
I'm already sold on the thesis. What I was hoping for was some new perspectives on the 'morally right' part, or explanations of non-obvious mechanics that make capitalism so successful. Instead you get chapters full of stats on just proving the success and not much more.
Would not recommend. If you're interested in this area, I think Capitalism without Capital: The Rise of the Intangible Economy is an excellent alternative. Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind would be further away from capitalism but in the same abstract area.
I'm already sold on the thesis. What I was hoping for was some new perspectives on the 'morally right' part, or explanations of non-obvious mechanics that make capitalism so successful. Instead you get chapters full of stats on just proving the success and not much more.
Would not recommend. If you're interested in this area, I think Capitalism without Capital: The Rise of the Intangible Economy is an excellent alternative. Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind would be further away from capitalism but in the same abstract area.
January 22, 2024
like any good lad, i've read my share of friedman & sowell, & i've even taken a run at rothbard & hayek. i'm no intellectual, so those guys are maybe a little out of my league.
but i know the score. capitalism is good. good for the world, good for the poor, the best thing for everyone. anyone who doesn't recognize this at this stage of the game really is adverse to evidence & rigor & so on.
so there wasn't much new for me in this book. but it's nice to have the ideas out there in a new, friendly format. norberg is a good writer & he makes the case properly. i won't give it a 5 cuz i think it could have been a little leaner. particularly towards the end, i did feel like there was a little fat in the sections on china & happiness.
shorter is better. imo.
but it's a great read overall & i'd definitely recommend giving it as a gift to all the commies in your life.
but i know the score. capitalism is good. good for the world, good for the poor, the best thing for everyone. anyone who doesn't recognize this at this stage of the game really is adverse to evidence & rigor & so on.
so there wasn't much new for me in this book. but it's nice to have the ideas out there in a new, friendly format. norberg is a good writer & he makes the case properly. i won't give it a 5 cuz i think it could have been a little leaner. particularly towards the end, i did feel like there was a little fat in the sections on china & happiness.
shorter is better. imo.
but it's a great read overall & i'd definitely recommend giving it as a gift to all the commies in your life.
April 30, 2024
The author makes a compelling case for free market capitalism by citing reductions in poverty and hunger and debunking many common arguments against capitalism.
He has the sense to identify some of the major issues like the crony capitalism and polluters (although largely to say that these are contrary to free markets). Also, while I agree that market forces work best for many goods and services there are sectors I’m less clear on. For instance, is healthcare best served by chasing the money?
Overall, I found this a great read.
He has the sense to identify some of the major issues like the crony capitalism and polluters (although largely to say that these are contrary to free markets). Also, while I agree that market forces work best for many goods and services there are sectors I’m less clear on. For instance, is healthcare best served by chasing the money?
Overall, I found this a great read.
December 18, 2023
They say that one needs to read books that they disagree with. This was the reason I read this book. I can say that it is very well written and all the ideas are presented and stated with examples and (most of the times) strong arguments. Despite the fact I disagree with the majority of the author's opinions, I found it quite a satisfying book to read.
Let's hope that many people read it as we all need to know the arguments of all sides, no matter which one we lean on.
Let's hope that many people read it as we all need to know the arguments of all sides, no matter which one we lean on.
December 19, 2023
Well, this was a book just to enforce my love for capitalism. It argues how a capitalist system manages to both create wealth fastest, but also distribute it in the best way possible. It's an excellent book that gives plenty of examples showing how a free market makes sure that everyone has the best outcome. The book also sheds light on global trade and how it has been the most effective way how to reduce poverty. A strong recommend for both lefties and conservatives.
April 27, 2024
Very useful data that may change your view
This is a pretty compelling case for Free Markets and Capitalism based on many studies, including earlier ones that have now been proven wrong. Unfortunately, many remember the earlier ones and so they believe Capitalism creates many problems when just the opposite is now known to be true. Read this book, follow the data and see what you think.
This is a pretty compelling case for Free Markets and Capitalism based on many studies, including earlier ones that have now been proven wrong. Unfortunately, many remember the earlier ones and so they believe Capitalism creates many problems when just the opposite is now known to be true. Read this book, follow the data and see what you think.
October 27, 2023
"Capitalism is merciless against capitalists who don't deliver." -Johan Norberg
Johan Norberg has done a great job. He has explained well on why capitalism is better & morally superior than it's other alternatives. Also, it gives everyone a powerful motive to constantly try to find new ways to create value for others.
Johan Norberg has done a great job. He has explained well on why capitalism is better & morally superior than it's other alternatives. Also, it gives everyone a powerful motive to constantly try to find new ways to create value for others.
November 15, 2023
Very solid book. The author does an excellent job of weighing competing view points and citing specific examples as well as empirical data to support his points. Will need to read the communist manifesto next to balance this out. This is going to be my go to gift for all my socialist/marxist friends from here on out.
October 13, 2023
Some interesting updates to his “In Defense of Global Capitalism” but a bit too much self-referential. I am not sure this book would convince someone who doesn’t already agree with him and it doesn’t offer many new insights to the ones who already do.
December 3, 2023
A fun follow-up to Piketty's Brief History of Equality. A book that tries to convince more than it tries to educate. I wish they would talk to each other.
December 9, 2023
Its a 300 page praise for capitalism. sure capitalism did more good than most empires, but i would have preferred a wholistic view. dnf'd
January 8, 2024
Агитка, без особой аргументации по сложным вопросам типа роста Китая
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