Ours: The Case for Universal Property

In his book, Peter Barnes argues that most of today's wealth is co-inherited from nature and past human efforts and that adding universal property to the current property mix would create a market economy in which businesses prosper, nature's limits are respected, and a large middle class thrives.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 140 pages
Publication date: 02 July 2021
Publisher: Polity Press

We often attribute our current wealth to productive corporations and hardworking individuals, but it is merely the icing on a cake that was baked long ago. In his thought-provoking book, Peter Barnes challenges this notion by asserting that a significant portion of today's wealth is inherited from nature and previous human endeavors, rather than being solely earned individually. If some of this co-inherited wealth were placed in trust for each of us, both living and yet to be born, Barnes proposes the creation of "universal property," which would fundamentally transform capitalism.

Barnes highlights two tragic flaws inherent in the current form of capitalism: its relentless drive to widen inequality and its destructive impact on nature. These flaws arise from one-sided property rights that prioritize capital over all else. By introducing universal property into the existing property mix, we can create a market economy that fosters business prosperity, respects the boundaries of nature, and supports a thriving middle class.

This book offers a smart and concise perspective on the future of economics, particularly in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. It provides a roadmap for a more equitable and sustainable economic system that balances the interests of businesses, individuals, and the environment. By challenging the dominant narrative of individual wealth creation, Barnes offers a fresh and compelling vision for a better future.

In conclusion, "The End of Capitalism as We Know It" is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the origins and implications of our current economic system. It challenges our assumptions about wealth creation and offers a vision for a more equitable and sustainable future. By embracing the ideas presented in this book, we can work towards creating a world that is prosperous, resilient, and environmentally responsible.

Weight: 202g
Dimension: 129 x 196 x 16 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781509544837