
How Economics Explains the World
A Short History of Humanity
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Narrated by:
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Stephen Graybill
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By:
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Andrew Leigh
About this listen
“If you read just one book about economics, make it Andrew Leigh's clear, insightful, and remarkable (and short) work.”—Claudia Goldin, recipient of the 2023 Nobel Prize in Economics and Henry Lee Professor of Economics at Harvard University
A sweeping, engrossing history of how economic forces have shaped the world.
In How Economics Explains the World, Harvard-trained economist Andrew Leigh presents a new way to understand the human story. From the dawn of agriculture to AI, here is story of how ingenuity, greed, and desire for betterment have, to an astonishing degree, determined our past, present, and future.
This small book indeed tells a big story. It is the story of capitalism–of how our market system developed. It is the story of the discipline of economics, and some of the key figures who formed it. And it is the story of how economic forces have shaped world history. Why didn’t Africa colonize Europe instead of the other way around? What happened when countries erected trade and immigration barriers in the 1930s? Why did the Allies win World War II? Why did inequality in many advanced countries fall during the 1950s and 1960s? How did property rights drive China’s growth surge in the 1980s? How does climate change threaten our future prosperity? You’ll find answers to these questions and more in How Economics Explains the World.
©2024 Andrew Leigh (P)2024 HarperCollins PublishersListeners also enjoyed...
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Ho Tactics
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I have discovered a group of women who refuse to be exploited, are immune to manipulation, and who never settle in the name of love. These ladies know what they want and take what they want by beating men at their own game. Utilizing the secrets exposed in this book, these women gain power, money, and status. Men call them gold diggers, women call them hos, but they call themselves winners. This is the book that society doesn't want you to listen to….
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I spent $24,000 in 4 months
- By B.M. on 10-06-18
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The Autobiography of Malcolm X
- As Told to Alex Haley
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Experience a bold take on this classic autobiography as it’s performed by Oscar-nominated Laurence Fishburne. In this searing classic autobiography, originally published in 1965, Malcolm X, the Muslim leader, firebrand, and Black empowerment activist, tells the extraordinary story of his life and the growth of the Human Rights movement. His fascinating perspective on the lies and limitations of the American dream and the inherent racism in a society that denies its non-White citizens the opportunity to dream, gives extraordinary insight into the most urgent issues of our own time.
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it's Nearly perfect
- By Kerry on 09-16-20
By: Malcolm X, and others
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I Thought It Was Just Me (but it isn’t)
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Based on seven years of ground-breaking research and hundreds of interviews, I Thought It Was Just Me shines a long-overdue light on an important truth: Our imperfections are what connect us to each other and to our humanity. Our vulnerabilities are not weaknesses; they are powerful reminders to keep our hearts and minds open to the reality that we're all in this together.
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I'm sure its great if you are a mother ....
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Medieval Myths & Mysteries
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The 10 enlightening (and often humorous) lectures of Medieval Myths and Mysteries will show you how far from the “dark” times of legend these centuries were. Uncover the facts about the Knights Templar. Reveal the truth behind the tales of legendary creatures like the Questing Beast and the unicorn. Trace the events of the Black Death and the ways it altered the world in its wake, and much more. With Professor Armstrong, you will dig deep into the ways that later generations reshaped the narrative of the medieval years and perpetuated the myths.
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Interesting, but centered on Britain
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Buddhism for Beginners
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This user’s guide to Buddhist basics takes the most commonly asked questions - beginning with “What is the essence of the Buddha’s teachings?” - and provides simple answers in plain English. Thubten Chodron’s responses to the questions that always seem to arise among people approaching Buddhism make this an exceptionally complete and accessible introduction - as well as a manual for living a more peaceful, mindful, and satisfying Life.
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Amazing introduction to Buddhism
- By chad d on 07-02-15
By: Thubten Chodron, and others
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Was good until author got political
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What listeners say about How Economics Explains the World
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- Chris
- 01-06-25
Great overview is you want a broad survey
Good examples in general. Interesting overall. Doesn’t spend much time on modern monetary ramifications. No major revelations. Too much climate change. If you think you know quite a bit about economics you can skip this book.
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- ER
- 01-31-25
Fun as well as informative!
A whirlwind tour of world history through the viewpoint of the growth of economic thought. Presenter was very engaging.
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- Louislocke
- 10-27-24
Rehashed ideas better explained in other books
I consume a lot of material about economics and markets so I may not be representative. I learned almost nothing from this book. All the ideas come from other similar books written in the past decade. Another frustrating aspect is the amount of political views expressed. I believe if your book is not about politics I should not be able to guess your political affiliation from it. Only after listening did I look up the author. He is a politician
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1 person found this helpful