Review: The Rational Optimist by Matt Ridley

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BAKU - Predictions of a grim future have been a constant occurrence throughout human history, but they haven’t come to pass. Quite the opposite, our lives have improved dramatically in terms of life expectancy, nutrition, wealth, literacy and other measures. The Rational Optimist: How Prosperity Evolves by Matt Ridley argues that this positive trend will continue, focusing on how humanity as a species succeeded and why we should embrace an optimist view of the world going into the future.

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[haroldbridges]

Some of us remember Matt Ridley as the Chairman of the Board of Northern Rock when it became the first British bank to fail in over a hundred years. It failed because mr-optimist-with-other-people's-money, Ridley, failed to take out adequate insurance against a liquidity crisis, which crisis arrived indeed in 2007. I understand that Ridley now grants interviews on the condition that there are no questions about NOrther Rock.
Ridley, you will be relieved to know, was rich before the financial crisis and remains rich to this day.

[snafu]

if you're writing a book about global trade and it's impact on culture and wealth, one has to include the collapse of the Bronze age, where specialized civilizations dissapeared from the map because of the fragile nature of their trade systems and economies. Everybody knows that the collapse of civilization at the end of the bronze age is a mystery yet to be fully comprehended, yet it is a shining example of what could happen to our very similar global society.

[legnodinoce]

I dont know. Today suicide is at his top rate. So we need to look into the meaning of social progression. Economic growth does not go hand in hand with psychological welfare.

[kanbarubutt]

I would recommend that everyone be suspicious of any book that comes with "rational" in the title.

[Gonza-lhvo]

As an Argentinean, you're right. Protectionism and the idea of self-sustainability sound nice at face value, but it has only caused poverty and misery in what once was the richest nation in the world. I love your work, I wished I could support you on Patreon.

[iraqimapper]

I like your books reviews shirvan keep the great job

[sutapamazumdar]

Your chosen background music is great this time. Blended so well with the content. Methinks the real revolution happened with transport evolution. Anyway, I’m going to check out this book for my next read. Thanks for the video.

[conornorris]

ive been thinking about these exact subjects alot lately, thanks for your cool content dude

[ArawnOfAnnwn]

As a counterpoint, I recommend you review the book 23 Things They Don't Tell You About Capitalism by Ha-Joon Chang.

[Mori]

Really interesting book and actually pretty compelling. I always wondered in the back of my head if all this doom and gloom that so many people adhere to is reasonable and if the people who are so quick to shame anyone with an ounce of optimism as being "naive" are themselves naive and falling for a fallacy of cynicism=wisdom and realism.


However, I do recall another review you did of Divided by Tim Marshall which painted a really grim picture of our global world which seems be built upon a house of cards and will only get worse with climate change, wealth inequality, and unsustainable migration+growth.


What is your take with both of these opposing views?

[marcinkierzkowski]

I like these reviews typically but I’m not sure about how convincing the argument is in this one

[patrickblanchette]

In regards to isolationism, China and Japan are great examples on why isolationist philosophies are bad and how opening oneself out can be so useful.

[jeronimotamayolopera]

I wanted to note that isolationism in many countries, for instance during the 20th century, was implemented in part as a response to colonialism and/or very aggressive economic practices.

[SmokeBigi]

i would argue that the pessimist view of the future is what made humanity's life better, simply out of fear of realizing said future

[vsmk]

why don't you do a video on manufacturing consent by Noam chomsky?

[andraslibal]

Demographics unfortunately does not point towards an optimistic future, Africa is becoming a huge problem and the arab world is right next in line ... these developments will inevitably lead to mass migration and more wars, meanwhile the developed north (from the US to Europe, Russia, China and Japan) implodes.

[JMMRanMA]

A great recommendation. I have found it in my public library and am waiting to get it.. Thanks again.

[NaCk]

It's important to note that "exchange of goods" doesn't necessarily mean a rampant, unregulated, destructive egotistical trade and commerce.

[lacintag]

Leaving trade unrestricted isn't always a good thing.
Just look at Albania, which lost a massive portion of its wealth to pyramid schemes because the government refused to regulate the economy.

[basartv]

If i recall correctly, the ottomans´ trade capitulations mainly to european nations was a form for open trade systems, which in time grew into more disadvantageous for the ottomans, while the european nation states at the same time had protectionistic policies regarding their economies, people, trade and workforce. Later on, the economy of the ottomans fell into debt supplied from european banks and soon after bankruptcy of the state. If i recall correctly an israeli political figure used this as support for his policies in regards to more protectionist policies for Israel.