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Abundance

How We Build a Better Future

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Abundance

By: Ezra Klein, Derek Thompson
Narrated by: Derek Thompson, Ezra Klein
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About this listen

SHORTLISTED FOR THE FINANCIAL TIMES AND SCHRODERS BUSINESS BOOK OF THE YEAR AWARD 2025

THE INSTANT NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER AND OBAMA BOOK OF THE YEAR

'A must-read for progressives' BARACK OBAMA
'Downing Street's current hot read' ANDREW MARR
'Forceful, quick-moving, important' FINANCIAL TIMES

The threat to liberal democracy isn't just autocrats - it's a lack of effective action by so-called progressives.

We have the means to build an equitable world without hunger, fuelled by clean energy. Instead, we have a politics driven by scarcity, lives defined by unaffordability and public institutions that no longer deliver on big ideas. It's time for change.

Bestselling authors Ezra Klein and Derek Thompson have spent decades analysing the political, economic and cultural forces that have led us here. In this once-in-a-generation intervention, they unpick the barriers to progress and show how we can, and must, shift the political agenda to one that not only protects and preserves, but also builds. From healthcare to housing, infrastructure to innovation, they lay out a path to a future defined not by fear, but by abundance.

©2025 Ezra Klein and Derek Thompson (P)2025 Simon & Schuster Audio Economic History Economics Political Science Politics & Government Inspiring Capitalism
All stars
Most relevant
Perhaps understandably, very US focused with many of the comparisons being made to how amazing things are in Europe and Asia… where there is also an over-consumption issue. Preferred Klein’s narration and would have preferred it all the way through. Definitely not as convincing as much of his other work and thin on details.

Disappointingly thin on details

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As an avid follower of US politics from a UK perspective, this book resonates not only with ideas for why politics is failing in the US but also in the UK. Highly recommended.

Interesting ideas

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Every politician in the western world should read this book. Well written and shockingly relevant for Norway as well as US.

Great

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First book of 2026 completed.

Abundance offers a sharp critique of contemporary liberal policymaking and its unintended consequences. Despite remarkable technological advances, including rapid progress in AI, there is growing evidence that the next generation may be less prosperous than the one before it. Stagnant wages, rising living costs, reduced housing affordability, and policy driven constraints introduced in the pursuit of net zero have materially affected everyday economic outcomes.

The book argues that an excessive focus on rules, processes, and regulation has produced illiberal results, often empowering illiberal rulers. Economic history suggests that societies achieve the greatest progress when they prioritise outcomes over rigid procedural control. When incentives are aligned with results, innovation and human ingenuity tend to flourish.

A timely and thought provoking read for those concerned with prosperity, governance, and the long term health of liberal democracies.

Why liberals are holding us back

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Excellent, impressed,fantastic, brilliant delightful, amazing, wonderful, exceptional, professional, perfectly prepared, exceeded my expectations and highly recommend

Abundance it is brilliant

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