The Journey of Humanity: The Origins of Wealth and Inequality

Celebrated economist Galor (Herbert H. Goldberger Professor of Economics, Brown Univ.; Unified Growth Theory) presents his unified growth theory in a book intended for the average reader. Galor’s analysis starts at the beginning of humanity and works up to the present in the first section, “The Human Odyssey.” The second section, “The Origins of Wealth and Inequality,” then backtracks to explain why growth has been unequal. How did humans progress past subsistence living and escape the Malthusian thesis? They focused on educating their kids and equipping them to develop technology and grow the economy. This grand theory explains human success as well as some of our failures. Galor’s clear and concise writing ensures that these serious topics lose nothing when translated in audio. Kobna Holdbrook-Smith’s narration is gravelly-voiced perfection. His precisely paced delivery is a steadying presence that will aid listeners as they follow his theory, tracing the development of humans and pointing to a future where we are able to solve modern problems.