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
The Origin of Capitalism summary
Brief summary
The Origin of Capitalism by Ellen Meiksins Wood is a thought-provoking book that delves into the historical development of capitalism. It offers a critical analysis of the economic and social factors that shaped its emergence.
Topics
Table of Contents
The Origin of Capitalism
Summary of key ideas
Understanding the Origins of Capitalism
In The Origin of Capitalism, Ellen Meiksins Wood delves into the historical development of capitalism, challenging the widely-held notion that capitalism is a natural and inevitable economic system. Instead, she argues that it is a historical construct that emerged in specific social and economic conditions.
Wood begins her exploration by scrutinizing the transition from feudalism to capitalism in Europe. She posits that capitalism is not an extension of previous economic systems, but rather a distinct mode of production. She highlights the critical role played by the enclosures of common lands in England, which forced peasants off their traditional lands and into wage labor, thereby creating a class of property-less laborers, a fundamental characteristic of capitalism.
The Role of Political and Economic Forces
Wood emphasizes the importance of political and economic forces in the emergence of capitalism. She argues that it was not market forces or technological advancements that led to capitalism, but rather specific political decisions and interventions such as the enactment of laws favoring the emerging capitalist class over the peasantry and the establishment of property rights.
The book further explores the role of merchant capitalism and its subsequent transformation into industrial capitalism. Wood contends that the growth of trade and the emergence of a merchant class were not sufficient to bring about capitalism. Instead, it was the transformation of the means of production, from small-scale artisanal workshops to large-scale industrial factories, that marked the shift to the capitalist mode of production.
The Capitalist Mode of Production
Wood then delves into the unique features of the capitalist mode of production, particularly the commodification of labor power. In capitalist societies, she argues, labor becomes a commodity, and workers are compelled to sell their labor power in exchange for a wage. This process, she asserts, creates a fundamental antagonism between the capitalist class, who own the means of production, and the working class, who sell their labor power.
Moreover, Wood discusses the role of the state in the development of capitalism. She argues that the state played a crucial role in facilitating the transition to capitalism, protecting property rights, and enforcing laws that favored capitalist interests. The state, in essence, acted as a tool for the ruling capitalist class to maintain their power and further their economic interests.
Capitalism and Its Consequences
In the latter part of The Origin of Capitalism, Wood examines the consequences of capitalism. She contends that capitalism is inherently exploitative, with the capitalist class appropriating surplus value from the labor of the working class. Furthermore, she argues that capitalism leads to alienation, as workers are estranged from the products of their labor and from the labor process itself.
In conclusion, The Origin of Capitalism offers a thought-provoking analysis of the historical development of capitalism. Wood presents a compelling argument that capitalism is not a natural or inevitable economic system, but rather a product of specific historical conditions and class struggles. By understanding its historical origins, Wood suggests, we can better comprehend the nature of capitalism and its impact on society.
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 The Origin of Capitalism about?
The Origin of Capitalism by Ellen Meiksins Wood explores the historical development of capitalism and challenges conventional theories about its origins. Wood argues that capitalism did not arise from natural economic forces, but rather from specific social and political conditions in Europe. This thought-provoking book offers a unique perspective on the roots of our modern economic system.
The Origin of Capitalism Review
The Origin of Capitalism (2002) delves into the historical origins of capitalism and challenges conventional narratives. Here's why this book is a compelling read:
- By examining the underlying social relations that shaped capitalism, it offers a fresh perspective on economic history.
- Wood's analysis uncovers the political dynamics that drove the evolution of capitalism, revealing its complex nature beyond market forces.
- Through a critical lens, the book presents provocative ideas that challenge traditional views, sparking thought and discussion on the subject.
Who should read The Origin of Capitalism?
Students and scholars of political economy and economic history
Readers interested in understanding the historical roots of capitalism
Individuals seeking a critical analysis of the flaws and contradictions of capitalist society
Categories with The Origin of Capitalism
Book summaries like The Origin of 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
The Origin of Capitalism FAQs
What is the main message of The Origin of Capitalism?
The main message of The Origin of Capitalism is to explore the historical roots and development of capitalism.
How long does it take to read The Origin of Capitalism?
The estimated reading time for The Origin of Capitalism is several hours. The Blinkist summary can be read in a short time.
Is The Origin of Capitalism a good book? Is it worth reading?
The Origin of Capitalism is worth reading for its insightful analysis of capitalism's origins and evolution.
Who is the author of The Origin of Capitalism?
The author of The Origin of Capitalism is Ellen Meiksins Wood.
What to read after The Origin of Capitalism?
If you're wondering what to read next after The Origin of 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
- Against the Gods
- An Attempt To Repair America's Broken Credit System
- Beating the Street
- Corporate Financial Distress, Restructuring, and Bankruptcy
- Democracy at Work
- Encyclopedia of Chart Patterns
- Financial Institutions Management
- Foundations of Real Estate Financial Modelling
- Founder’s Pocket Guide
- Fundamentals of Risk Management
- The Business Owner's Definitive Guide to Captive Insurance Companies
- The Dream Manager
- The Little Red Book of Selling
- The McKinsey Way
- The Only Investment Guide You'll Ever Need
- The Starfish and the Spider
- The Taste of Luxury
- The XVA of Financial Derivatives
- Trading for a Living
- Why Didn't They Teach Me This in School?