Farewell to Alms

In this book, Gregory Clark addresses profound questions about global economic disparities.

He argues that the Industrial Revolution and subsequent economic growth in eighteenth-century England were driven by cultural changes, such as the adoption of middle-class values like hard work, rationality, and education.

Clark challenges prevailing theories by suggesting that these cultural shifts, rather than institutional or geographical factors, explain the wealth and poverty of nations.

The book also discusses the Malthusian trap and how Britain's unique demographic and social dynamics allowed it to break out of this cycle and achieve significant economic growth.