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The Ezra Klein Show
The Origins of Abundance
Mar 21, 2025
Derek Thompson, co-author of 'Abundance' and host of 'Plain English,' dives into the collaborative journey of their new book. He discusses the interconnected challenges across sectors like science and construction, advocating for innovative solutions to housing and climate issues. The duo reflects on personal experiences that shaped their vision, critiques the bureaucratic inefficiencies in housing policies, and emphasizes the need for a transformed liberalism that champions effective action and explores the evolving dynamics within American political parties.
01:12:54
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Quick takeaways
- The book 'Abundance' emerged from an introspective exploration of how technology's role has shifted in political discourse since 2016.
- Housing is framed as a critical economic issue influenced by ideological failures, emphasizing the need for increased supply to enhance affordability.
Deep dives
The Genesis of Abundance
The inception of the book 'Abundance' traces back to a period of reflection and inquiry about the relationship between invention and implementation in technology. The authors, Ezra Klein and Derek Thompson, were inspired by concepts such as supply-side progressivism, which critiques the left's historical disdain for technology following the 2016 election. This criticism arose as many Democrats shifted their views on technology, associating platforms with the election of Donald Trump and the ensuing toxicity of public discourse. This dynamic underscored the need to explore an alternative narrative that embraces technology while effectively addressing contemporary challenges.
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Discover
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