399. Honey, I Grew the Economy

In 'Mass Flourishing', Edmund Phelps argues that modern capitalism has enabled widespread flourishing by providing opportunities for creative and challenging work. He emphasizes the role of innovation and modern values such as individualism and self-expression in achieving economic dynamism and personal fulfillment. Phelps contrasts this with other economic systems like socialism and corporatism, highlighting the importance of market institutions for mass flourishing.

In 'Shop Class as Soulcraft,' Matthew B. Crawford argues that the manual trades offer a unique form of intellectual and personal satisfaction. He critiques modern society's emphasis on 'knowledge work' and the devaluation of manual labor, highlighting the cognitive demands and personal fulfillment that come from working with one's hands. Crawford draws on his own experiences as a motorcycle mechanic and philosopher to illustrate the importance of craftsmanship, self-reliance, and the integration of thinking and doing in meaningful work. The book challenges consumerist culture and advocates for a more humane economy that values and rewards meaningful labor.