Greed Is Dead: Politics After Individualism

Two of the UK's leading economists call for an end to extreme individualism as the engine of prosperity, arguing that successful societies have created institutions that channel competition and co-operation to achieve complex goals. Mutuality has been undermined by extreme individualism, which has weakened co-operation and polarized politics. A reaffirmation of the values of mutuality could refresh and restore politics, business, and the environments in which people live, leading to a politics beyond individualism.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 224 pages
Publication date: 29 July 2021
Publisher: Penguin Books Ltd

Throughout history, successful societies have established institutions that effectively channel competition and cooperation to achieve complex goals of general benefit. These institutions play a crucial role in distinguishing between societies that thrive and those that are plagued by discord. They also differentiate between prosperous and poor economies. Such societies exhibit a disciplined pluralism, where different voices and perspectives are valued and integrated into a cohesive whole.

However, successful societies are rare and fragile, and it is impossible to imagine the development of modernity without the exceptional competitive and cooperative instincts of humans. Nevertheless, in recent decades, there has been a concerning shift in the balance between these instincts, leading to the undermining of mutuality and the polarization of our politics.

Collier and Kay's book provides a compelling argument for a reaffirmation of the values of mutuality as a means to refresh and restore politics, business, and the environments in which people live. By emphasizing the importance of cooperation and collaboration, they propose that politics can reverse the moves towards extremism and tribalism, businesses can replace greed with a commitment to social responsibility, and communities and decaying places can overcome despondency and regain prosperity and purpose.

As we emerge from an unprecedented crisis, we have an opportunity to examine society afresh and build a politics that goes beyond individualism. This requires a collective effort to recognize the interconnectedness of our lives and to work towards a common goal of creating a more inclusive, equitable, and sustainable world. By embracing the values of mutuality, we can build a society that is resilient, prosperous, and meaningful for all its members.

Weight: 170g
Dimension: 129 x 198 x 18 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780141994161