The Rational Optimist: How Prosperity Evolves Audiobook

" Although the author's arguments for why we should all be starry-eyed optimistic about our common future regardless of the circumstances appear persuasive, on closer examination the author quite frequently confuses correlation and cause in the service of scoring political points (scantily) dressed up as the book's thesis. Hence, apart from some interesting historical vignettes, the book fails to persuade me of much other than the author's need to review logic 101. "

" Interesting take on the future of our global trading markets based on an understanding of the trading and specialization movements in ancient human civilizations. "

" Matt Ridley explains the upcoming conditions and all the despair that sorrounds the actual conditions, he explain wrong considerations that are just biased but not supported by facts. "

" It's a nice breath of fresh air to read arguments about how things aren't getting worse and we're not all going to die immanently. "

" as an extremely well written and though-out antidote to "the sky is falling" mentality, but it is more than that. Really enjoying this book--maybe because it is further support for what I've thought and been saying for years? "

" Many stretches of 4 stars with patches of 2 and 3. Having said that it was a great strike for a general optimism based on history and experience, in the face of the doomsdayers, environmentalists , and other prophets of catastrophe. "

" I read and enjoy Ridley's blog. This seemed like just a collection of blog entries. I thought it was a bit repetitive in style and I didn't learn too much more than what is is his blog. "

" 2.5 stars. I'm not sure all his explanations hold enough water. "

" I am an optimist - and do think that people and the world will adapt and continue to flourish. But there was a lot in this book that I either don't really agree with or that was over simplified. "

" Great alternative perspective of the state of the world and human development. "

" Commerce and trade lead to ideas mating. Ideas mating leads to new technology and innovation. Technology is the primary driver of rising living standards and increased prosperity. Ideas are mating faster than ever. It's therefore rational to be optimistic about the future. "

" I was thinking that the author is going on and on about the financial crisis at the start of the book and every one has suddenly become an expert on that topic. It became more interesting after that. Recommended if you like to review things in historical context. "

" Some worthwhile insights, especially at the outset; after that: polemic and superficial. "

" I can't say I was gripped by his passages about early man, but all told this is a welcome antidote to pessimism found in much of our discourse. "

" I liked very much the case the author makes that in almost every metric the life/the world/everything is better now than 50 years ago and doomsayers notwithstanding there is a very good chance that in 50 years from now it will be better still. "

" Really awesome read - mixes history, economics, evolution, politics, and global warming all in one! It's a fun book that made some interesting connections and really made me think about the future possibilities. I definitely recommend it. "

" A book that really hits home the value of individual freedom. He underplays the impact of financial irresponsibility and environmental degradation, but the tenet that allowing ideas to grow through ingenuity and trade will I tue end serve man kind is an important one. "

" Damn, we have it good. Thoughtprovoking. Worth reading just for the first few pages. "

" Brilliant, must read book. Makes you think about psychological reasons behind everyone's pessimistic view of the way the world is going. Most people have always felt the future was going to be worse, most people have experienced it as immeasurably better. Great stats and graphics. "

" Great book, makes an excellent case against intellectual pessimism. "

" I liked very much the case the author makes that in almost every metric the life/the world/everything is better now than 50 years ago and doomsayers notwithstanding there is a very good chance that in 50 years from now it will be better still. "