Amity Shlaes | The Ben Shapiro Show Sunday Special Ep. 93

In 'The Forgotten Man,' Amity Shlaes offers a striking reinterpretation of the Great Depression by shifting the focus from the New Deal to the moving stories of individual Americans who endured the era. The book explores the brave leadership and perseverance of common people, such as the Schechters, a family of butchers in Brooklyn, and Bill W., the founder of Alcoholics Anonymous. Shlaes also examines the failures of Presidents Hoover and Roosevelt in understanding the prosperity of the 1920s and the long-lasting impact of their policies. The book argues that the real question about the Depression is why it lasted so long, rather than whether Roosevelt ended it with World War II.

In *The Forgotten Depression*, James Grant explores the economic downturn of 1920-21, which was characterized by a sharp contraction followed by a rapid recovery without significant government intervention. Grant argues that this episode offers valuable lessons for contemporary policymakers, contrasting it with later depressions where intervention was more pronounced. The book provides a compelling narrative of economic resilience and the role of market forces in recovery.

Published in 1970, 'The Greening of America' is a seminal work that captures the essence of the counterculture movement. The book introduces a typology of three types of consciousness: Consciousness I (village life), Consciousness II (Corporate State), and Consciousness III (a radical, idealistic new consciousness). Reich argues that social and political change must begin with individual transformation, leading to cultural and eventually systemic change. The book was widely discussed and debated upon its release, reflecting the societal upheavals of the time.

In 'Great Society: A New History', Amity Shlaes offers a critical examination of the 1960s, focusing on the Great Society initiatives under Lyndon B. Johnson and their unintended consequences. Shlaes argues that these programs, despite their idealistic goals, led to economic issues and dependency on government support. The book provides a detailed historical analysis, drawing parallels between past policies and contemporary debates on socialism and capitalism.