In 'Poor Economics,' Abhijit Banerjee and Esther Duflo present a detailed analysis of the lives of the poor, challenging common assumptions about poverty. They use evidence from numerous randomized control trials to explain why the poor make certain choices, such as borrowing to save or missing out on free immunizations. The book emphasizes the importance of understanding the daily decisions and constraints faced by the poor and argues that small, well-designed interventions can lead to significant improvements in their lives. It also highlights the role of behavioral economics and the need for policy changes based on empirical evidence rather than grand generalizations or ideologies.
In *The Rise and Fall of the Dinosaurs*, Steve Brusatte masterfully recounts the 200-million-year history of dinosaurs, from their humble beginnings as small creatures to their dominance during the Jurassic and Cretaceous periods, and finally to their catastrophic extinction. The book is enriched with stories from Brusatte's expeditions and insights into the latest scientific discoveries.
In *Miami and the Siege of Chicago*, Norman Mailer provides a vivid and personal account of the 1968 Republican and Democratic conventions. The book is characterized by Mailer's unique writing style, blending factual reporting with subjective insights and poetic descriptions. It covers the Republican convention in Miami and the tumultuous Democratic convention in Chicago, where protests against the Vietnam War and police violence were prominent. Mailer's work reflects his shift towards a more subtle and accessible writing style, while still maintaining his keen eye for detail and his ability to capture the essence of mid-century America. The book is notable for its prescience in predicting political trends, including the rise of Ronald Reagan and the volatility of white voter resentment[2][4][5].
My Brilliant Friend is the gripping first volume in Elena Ferrante’s widely acclaimed Neapolitan Novels. The story begins in the 1950s in a poor but vibrant neighborhood on the outskirts of Naples, where Elena and Lila form a complex and intense friendship. Through their lives, Ferrante tells the story of a neighborhood, a city, and a country as it undergoes significant transformations. The novel explores themes of female experience, rivalry, and friendship, creating an unsentimental portrait of two girls’ path into womanhood and the broader societal changes around them[2][4][5].
In 'How Not to Be a Politician', Rory Stewart reflects on his experiences in British politics, critiquing the system and its effects on individuals. He discusses his time as a Member of Parliament, his leadership campaign, and interactions with prominent figures like Boris Johnson. The book offers a candid look at the political landscape and the disconnect between winning elections and governing effectively.
This biography by Victor Sebestyen delves into the life of Vladimir Lenin, from his early years and radicalization following the execution of his brother, to his long exile in Europe and his return to Petrograd in 1917 to lead the first Communist revolution. The book highlights Lenin's complex personality, his relationships with his wife Nadezhda Krupskaya and mistress Inessa Armand, and his role in shaping the Soviet state through political terror and centralized power. Sebestyen uses newly available archives to provide detailed insights into Lenin's life and the Russian Revolution, portraying him as a sophisticated intellectual, a ruthless leader, and the precursor to Stalin's regime.
This book explores the financial lives of the poor in Bangladesh, India, and South Africa, revealing how they use a variety of financial tools to manage their limited resources. Through detailed financial diaries, it highlights the need for more flexible and reliable financial services to support these households.
This book provides a unique perspective on Handel's life by exploring his friendships and social circle. It delves into how themes in his music reflect the lives of those around him, offering insights into his compositional career and cultural context.
Extreme poverty, defined as living on less than $2.15 a day, has long been seen as an intractable problem. But what if the solution is simple? What if you could eradicate extreme poverty by just giving people cash? That’s what Rory Stewart believes. He’s the former UK Secretary of State for International Development and now a senior advisor to GiveDirectly, a non-profit that has distributed $800 million — in cash — to 1.6 million people around the world, including right here in the US. Today on the show, Rory charts his evolution from cash transfer skeptic to evangelist, shares what he wishes philanthropists like Bill Gates would do with their billions, and explains why he thinks it’s possible to end extreme poverty in our lifetimes.
🎙️ Check out Rory's previous appearance on this show on Apple Podcasts or Spotify
💸 Learn more about GiveDirectly at www.givedirectly.org
🎬 Watch Rory’s new TED Talk, “To End Extreme Poverty, Give Cash — Not Advice”
🎁 Get 20% off a Next Big Idea Club membership when you use code PODCAST at nextbigideaclub.com
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