Powerful ideas from top nonfiction
Try Blinkist to get the key ideas from 7,500+ bestselling nonfiction titles and podcasts. Listen or read in just 15 minutes.
Start your free trial
Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
23 Things They Don't Tell You about Capitalism summary
Brief summary
23 Things They Don't Tell You about Capitalism by Ha-Joon Chang challenges conventional economic wisdom and offers thought-provoking insights into the flaws of free-market capitalism.
Topics
Table of Contents
23 Things They Don't Tell You about Capitalism
Summary of key ideas
The Myth of Free Markets
In 23 Things They Don't Tell You about Capitalism by Ha-Joon Chang, we begin by debunking the myth of free markets. Contrary to popular belief, Chang argues that free markets are not self-regulating and efficient. Instead, they are shaped by government interventions and regulations, and they often fail to allocate resources fairly and efficiently.
Chang's first thing they don't tell you about capitalism is that "there is no such thing as a free market." He explains that all markets are regulated to some extent, and the degree of regulation can significantly impact the market's functioning. He uses historical examples to show that successful economies have relied on a mix of market forces and government interventions.
The Importance of Production
Chang then moves on to challenge the notion that the key to economic prosperity is consumption. He argues that production, not consumption, is the source of wealth and that a successful economy must focus on increasing its productive capacity. He also emphasizes the role of industrial policy in fostering economic growth, citing the experiences of successful economies such as South Korea and Japan.
Chang's third thing they don't tell you about capitalism is that "companies should not be run in the interest of their owners." He argues that the short-term profit maximization pursued by many companies is detrimental to their long-term success and to the economy as a whole. Instead, companies should focus on creating value for all stakeholders, including employees, customers, and society.
The Role of Technology and Innovation
Next, Chang addresses the role of technology and innovation in economic development. He argues that technological progress is not automatic and that it requires deliberate efforts and investments. He also warns against the belief that technological progress always leads to job creation, pointing out that it can also lead to job destruction.
Chang's fifth thing they don't tell you about capitalism is that "we do not live in a post-industrial age." He challenges the idea that advanced economies can thrive by shifting from manufacturing to services, arguing that a strong manufacturing sector is essential for sustained economic growth.
The Role of the State
Chang then emphasizes the crucial role of the state in economic development. Contrary to the belief that the state should only provide basic public goods and otherwise stay out of the economy, he argues that successful economies have relied on active state intervention in shaping industrial policy, providing public goods, and regulating markets.
Chang's ninth thing they don't tell you about capitalism is that "people in poor countries are more entrepreneurial than people in rich countries." He challenges the stereotype of poor countries as lacking in entrepreneurial spirit, pointing out that the poor often engage in a wide range of entrepreneurial activities out of necessity.
The Reality of Economic Inequality
Chang also addresses the issue of economic inequality, arguing that it is not an inevitable outcome of capitalism. He points out that the level of inequality varies widely across different capitalist economies and that policies can be implemented to reduce it.
In his final chapters, Chang provides a vision for a more inclusive and sustainable form of capitalism. He argues that we need to rethink our economic priorities and policies, placing more emphasis on long-term sustainability, equitable growth, and the well-being of all members of society.
In conclusion, 23 Things They Don't Tell You about Capitalism offers a thought-provoking critique of mainstream economic thinking and provides alternative perspectives on the functioning of capitalism. It challenges us to question commonly held assumptions and to consider new ways of organizing our economies for the benefit of all.
How do we create content on this page?
More knowledge in less time
Read or listen
Get the key ideas from nonfiction bestsellers in minutes, not hours.
Find your next read
Get book lists curated by experts and personalized recommendations.
Shortcasts New
We’ve teamed up with podcast creators to bring you key insights from podcasts.
What is 23 Things They Don't Tell You about Capitalism about?
23 Things They Don't Tell You about Capitalism by Ha-Joon Chang challenges common myths and misconceptions about capitalism. Through insightful analysis and real-world examples, the book reveals the hidden truths behind economic theories and offers thought-provoking ideas for creating a fairer global economy.
23 Things They Don't Tell You about Capitalism Review
23 Things They Don't Tell You about Capitalism by Ha-Joon Chang (2010) challenges conventional economic wisdom and gives insight into the flaws of capitalism. Here's why this book is worth reading:
- Exposes common myths about capitalism, offering a fresh perspective that encourages critical thinking and reflection on economic systems.
- Provides accessible explanations of complex economic concepts, making it suitable for readers of all levels of expertise in economics.
- Offers practical solutions to address the downsides of capitalism, sparking discussions on how to create a more equitable society.
Who should read 23 Things They Don't Tell You about Capitalism?
Individuals who want to challenge their understanding of capitalism and its impact on society
Readers who are open to questioning mainstream economic theories and exploring alternative perspectives
Entrepreneurs and business professionals seeking insights into the hidden realities of the global economy
Categories with 23 Things They Don't Tell You about Capitalism
Book summaries like 23 Things They Don't Tell You about Capitalism
People ❤️ Blinkist
Sven O.
It's highly addictive to get core insights on personally relevant topics without repetition or triviality. Added to that the apps ability to suggest kindred interests opens up a foundation of knowledge.
Thi Viet Quynh N.
Great app. Good selection of book summaries you can read or listen to while commuting. Instead of scrolling through your social media news feed, this is a much better way to spend your spare time in my opinion.
Jonathan A.
Life changing. The concept of being able to grasp a book's main point in such a short time truly opens multiple opportunities to grow every area of your life at a faster rate.
Renee D.
Great app. Addicting. Perfect for wait times, morning coffee, evening before bed. Extremely well written, thorough, easy to use.
People also liked these summaries
4.7 Stars
Average ratings on iOS and Google Play
32 Million
Downloads on all platforms
10+ years
Experience igniting personal growth
23 Things They Don't Tell You about Capitalism FAQs
What is the main message of 23 Things They Don't Tell You about Capitalism?
Challenging misconceptions about capitalism and advocating for a more inclusive and fair economic system.
How long does it take to read 23 Things They Don't Tell You about Capitalism?
Reading time varies, but it typically takes a few hours. The Blinkist summary can be read in 15 minutes.
Is 23 Things They Don't Tell You about Capitalism a good book? Is it worth reading?
23 Things They Don't Tell You about Capitalism is insightful, offering fresh perspectives on capitalism. It's a valuable read for those interested in economics.
Who is the author of 23 Things They Don't Tell You about Capitalism?
Ha-Joon Chang is the author of 23 Things They Don't Tell You about Capitalism.
What to read after 23 Things They Don't Tell You about Capitalism?
If you're wondering what to read next after 23 Things They Don't Tell You about Capitalism, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- Basic Economics by Thomas Sowell
- The Ascent of Money by Niall Ferguson
- Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill
- The 4-Hour Workweek by Tim Ferriss
- Rich Dad, Poor Dad by Robert T. Kiyosaki
- Secrets of the Millionaire Mind by T. Harv Eker
- The Richest Man in Babylon by George S. Clason
- Business Adventures by John Brooks
- The Most Important Thing by Howard Marks
- More Money Than God by Sebastian Mallaby
Featured Titles
- A Companion to Marx's Capital
- Against the Gods
- An Attempt To Repair America's Broken Credit System
- Charting and Technical Analysis
- Confessions of an Economic Hitman
- Dual Momentum Investing
- Extraordinary Popular Delusions and the Madness of Crowds
- Financial Peace Revisited
- Fundamentals of Risk Management
- It's Your Ship
- Manias, Panics, and Crashes
- Nomadland
- Option Valuation Under Stochastic Volatility
- Pregnancy Brain
- Raving Fans
- Security Analysis and Business Valuation on Wall Street
- Security Risk Management
- Start Late, Finish Rich
- Strengths Based Leadership
- The Business Owner's Definitive Guide to Captive Insurance Companies