

#583
Mentioned in 32 episodes
Debt
The First 5,000 Years
Book • 2011
In this book, David Graeber argues that debt has a much longer history than money and that it has played a central role in shaping human societies.
He debunks the myth of barter as the precursor to money, instead proposing that credit systems and debt were the primary means of trade.
Graeber examines how debt has been used as a tool for social control, influenced law, religion, and politics, and has led to periodic crises and debtor revolts throughout history.
The book also discusses the moral and social implications of debt, suggesting that the concept of debt is more complex than a simple economic transaction.
He debunks the myth of barter as the precursor to money, instead proposing that credit systems and debt were the primary means of trade.
Graeber examines how debt has been used as a tool for social control, influenced law, religion, and politics, and has led to periodic crises and debtor revolts throughout history.
The book also discusses the moral and social implications of debt, suggesting that the concept of debt is more complex than a simple economic transaction.
Mentioned by
























Mentioned in 32 episodes
Mentioned by ![undefined]()

in the context of social capital and mutual obligation.

Eugene Wei

227 snips
11: Eugene Wei - Amusing Each Other to Death
Mentioned by 

when discussing the origins of money and debt.


Scott Galloway

204 snips
No Mercy / No Malice: United States of Debt
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while explaining a theory about the correlation between abstract money systems and religiosity in societies.

Rudyard Lynch

147 snips
#11 - Applied History with WhatIfAltHist
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as an audiobook that rewired his thinking about money and debt.


Seth Godin

119 snips
#376: How Seth Godin Manages His Life — Rules, Principles, and Obsessions (Repost)
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as a great entry point into heterodox thinking about economic systems and their flaws.

Jim Rutt

114 snips
EP 296 Ashley Hodgson on Economic Mythology and System Change
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in the context of his upcoming book on historical development.

Daniel Gortz

45 snips
Daniel Gortz - What is Metamodernism?
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, who advocates for land reform and a jubilee as described in the book.

Tim Reutemann

26 snips
Envisioning a Positive AI Future, with Tim Reutemann, Author of Liquid Reign
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when discussing traditional economies focused on human relationships.

Andrew Sage

18 snips
Dividing the World, Pt. 2: Externalization feat. Andrew
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during a discussion about preparing for wildfires.

Margaret Kiljoy

14 snips
How to Evacuate Your Home
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when discussing the role of the state in the creation of money.

John Papola

13 snips
Economist George Selgin on Money, Inflation, and the Federal Reserve
Mentioned by David Hoffman as a shared reading experience with ![undefined]()

, referencing its insights on debt and money.

Ethan Buchman

13 snips
116 - Why Bankless Is Wrong | Ethan Buchman - Cosmos
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as one of the books he is currently reading.

Sahil Barua

12 snips
Part 2: Sahil Barua on why Delhivery is the antithesis of moving fast and breaking things
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as a source of inspiration for his upcoming writings.

Cameron Carsten

11 snips
Baudrillard Versus Trump 2.0: Domination, Hegemony, and the Death of Meaning
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when discussing barter systems.


Gillian Tett

11 snips
Gillian Tett and Yanis Varoufakis: Can We Fix Capitalism?
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when discussing the challenges of building blockchains.

Nick White

Is $TIA Modular Money? | Nick White
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in the context of discussing the myth of barter and the origins of money.

Christian Reilly

#195 Capitalists Hate Capitalism with Cory Doctorow
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when discussing the importance of solidarity and empathy in society.

Andrew Sage

Mutuality feat. Andrew
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when discussing the history of money.

Charles Eisenstein

The Most Important Book About Money I've Ever Read - Sacred Economics: Money, Gift & Society in the Age of Transition With Charles Eisenstein.
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as a source for understanding the role of debt in global power dynamics.

Mia Wong

Why Trump Wants to Conquer Canada
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, referencing a section on the petrodollar system.


Alex Gladstein

Bitcoin vs. the Petrodollar: Which Is More Environmentally Friendly? - Ep.238