#341
Mentioned in 47 episodes

The Rational Optimist

How Prosperity Evolves
Book • 2010
In 'The Rational Optimist', Matt Ridley presents a bold and provocative interpretation of economic history, arguing that the innate human tendency to trade goods and services, along with specialization, is the source of modern human civilization.

The book covers the entire sweep of human history from the Stone Age to the Internet, highlighting how life is improving at an accelerating rate through increased food availability, income, and life span, while disease, child mortality, and violence are decreasing globally.

Ridley emphasizes the role of free trade, individual rights, and innovation in enhancing human prosperity and natural biodiversity despite potential setbacks.

Mentioned by

Mentioned in 47 episodes

Mentioned by
undefined
Jonathan Haidt
in the context of discussing long-term historical trends and human adaptability.
197 snips
Jonathan Haidt on Adjusting to Smartphones and Social Media
Mentioned by
undefined
Bill Gurley
when discussing the link between free trade, the exchange of ideas, and human prosperity.
182 snips
Ep9. GPT-4o, Astra, Multi Modal, China Tariffs, Tech Earnings | BG2 with Bill Gurley & Brad Gerstner
Mentioned by
undefined
Shane Parrish
, highlighting its impact on the understanding of rational optimism.
130 snips
#107 Matt Ridley: Infinite Innovation
Mentioned by
undefined
Stewart Brand
as an author whose work explores rational optimism.
110 snips
#281: Stewart Brand - The Polymath of Polymaths
Mentioned by
undefined
Matthew Syed
when discussing the benefits of trade.
91 snips
Israel vs Iran - Matthew Syed
Recommended by
undefined
Naval Ravikant
for its rational optimism perspective on technological advancement.
79 snips
Matt Ridley: How Innovation Works, Part 1
Mentioned by Jordan Peterson as one of
undefined
Matt Ridley
's books.
77 snips
310. Viral: The Origin of Covid 19 | Matt Ridley
Mentioned by
undefined
Tim Ferriss
as one of the books frequently recommended in 'Tribe of Mentors'.
71 snips
#442: Tribe of Mentors — Naval Ravikant, Susan Cain, and Yuval Noah Harari
Mentioned by
undefined
Justin Khanna
as a book he is rereading, finding its optimistic message valuable in uncertain times.
67 snips
193: The Problem with Mise en Place, with Justin Khanna
Mentioned by
undefined
Matt Ridley
as one of his books, showcasing his optimistic view on human progress.
65 snips
#311 — Did SARS-CoV-2 Escape from a Lab?
Mentioned by
undefined
Shane Smith
in the context of his optimistic outlook on the future, despite challenges posed by AI and environmental issues.
64 snips
The U.S. Media Is LYING To You—Here’s The Truth About Global Chaos | Shane Smith PT 2
Mentioned by Matt Ridley to explain the benefits of recombination and how multiple ideas combine to create innovation.
43 snips
Compounding Optimism
Mentioned by
undefined
Michael Shermer
as one of
undefined
Matt Ridley
's previous books.
42 snips
Sex and Beauty: The Extraordinary Implications of Darwin’s Strangest Idea (Matt Ridley)
Mentioned by Peter Diamandis when discussing the concept of time saving and the reduction in time needed to acquire resources.
30 snips
EP #31 The Truth About Overpopulation w/ Dr. Marian L. Tupy & Dr. Gale L. Pooley
Recommended by
undefined
David Gardner
and David Meyer.
30 snips
David Gardner, The Case for Rational Optimism

The AI-powered Podcast Player

Save insights by tapping your headphones, chat with episodes, discover the best highlights - and more!
App store bannerPlay store banner
Get the app