History 8: Big ideas and life lessons from Marx, Keynes and Smith and more
Aug 28, 2024
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Join economic titans Adam Smith, a founder of capitalism; Karl Marx, the critiquer of capitalist society; and John Maynard Keynes, pioneer of macroeconomic thought, as they delve into vital lessons from economics. They discuss the dual narratives of human progress and environmental crisis over the last fifty years. From food security advancements to the fight for social justice, each guest brings valuable insights on wealth disparity and innovative economic theories, making it a journey through history and philosophy.
Economic history reveals a dual narrative of progress with reduced poverty alongside concerning environmental challenges, emphasizing the complexity of growth.
Influential economists like Smith, Marx, and Keynes provide diverse insights on market dynamics, economic inequalities, and the role of government intervention.
Deep dives
Economic History as a Learning Tool
Economic history serves as a valuable framework for understanding contemporary issues and challenges. By examining past events, listeners gain insights into how economic theories and practices have evolved over time. This context helps in evaluating whether economics has fulfilled its promise of improving lives. The episode emphasizes the significance of understanding these historical developments to navigate current economic landscapes effectively.
The Dichotomy of Progress and Challenges
The episode highlights the contrasting narratives of progress and adversity over the last 50 years. On one hand, significant advancements have been made, such as a dramatic decrease in global poverty, which fell from over 60% to below 10%. On the other hand, troubling trends like increasing carbon emissions and biodiversity loss are worrisome. This duality underscores the complexity of economic growth, where advancements often come with unintended environmental costs.
Lessons from Influential Economists
Reflecting on various influential economists, the episode features thought-provoking insights from figures like Adam Smith, Karl Marx, and John Maynard Keynes. Adam Smith, often regarded as the father of economics, emphasizes the role of self-interest in market dynamics, while also advocating for moral considerations in economic practices. In contrast, Karl Marx critiques capitalism's inherent inequalities and promotes the idea of worker ownership. Meanwhile, Keynes argues that government intervention is crucial for stabilizing the economy during downturns, showcasing the diverse perspectives that shape economic thought.
The Call for Change and Action
The discussions call for graduates to engage critically with existing systems and advocate for positive change. Figures such as Sadie Alexander stress the importance of addressing social injustices and empowering communities through equitable economic policies. Milton Friedman encourages individuals to consider the unseen forces influencing economic outcomes. This collective wisdom inspires graduates to navigate their futures while challenging inequities and striving for a more just economic landscape.
We are assembled here on the lawn of Planet Money University for the greatest graduation in history – because it features the greatest economic minds in history. We'll hear from Adam Smith, Karl Marx, John Maynard Keynes, and some surprising guests as they teach us a little bit more economics, and offer a lot of life advice.
But first, we have to wrap up our (somewhat) complete economic history of the world. We'll catch up on the last fifty years or so of human achievement and ask ourselves, has economics made life better for us all?
This series is hosted by Robert Smith and produced by Audrey Dilling. Our project manager is Devin Mellor. This episode was edited by Planet Money Executive Producer Alex Goldmark and fact-checked by Sofia Shchukina.