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Growth

A Reckoning

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Brought to you by Penguin.

Over the past two centuries, economic growth has freed billions from poverty and made our lives far healthier and longer. As a result, the unfettered pursuit of growth defines economic life around the world. Yet this prosperity has come at an enormous price: deepening inequalities, destabilizing technologies, environmental destruction and climate change.

Confusion reigns. For many, in our era of anaemic economic progress, the worry is slowing growth - in the UK, Europe, China and elsewhere. Others understandably claim, given its costs, that the only way forward is through 'degrowth', deliberating shrinking our economies.

At this time of uncertainty about growth and its value, award-winning economist Daniel Susskind has written an essential reckoning. In a sweeping analysis full of historical insight, he argues that we cannot abandon growth but shows instead how we must redirect it, making it better reflect what we truly value. He explores what really drives growth, and offers original ideas for combatting our economic slowdown.

Lucid, thought-provoking and brilliantly researched, Growth: A Reckoning is a vital guide to one of our greatest preoccupations.

©2024 Daniel Susskind (P)2024 Penguin Audio

 Economic History Economics History & Culture Political Science Politics & Government Technology & Society Theory Taxation Capitalism

Critic reviews

Daniel Susskind is a compelling, insightful thinker on the largest and most fundamental economic topics. At a time when traditional notions of growth are increasingly being questioned, this book is profoundly important. Agree or disagree, anyone who wants to engage with the broad direction of economic policy needs to reckon with Susskind's views (Larry Summers)
What type of economic growth we should pursue, how much of it, and for whose benefit will be crucial questions in the years to come, especially if current trends—more and more inequality, and an increasing concentration of power among the select few companies shaping the future of technology—continue. This well-written, thought-provoking book is essential reading for anybody interested in these epochal debates. (Daron Acemoglu, author of WHY NATIONS FAIL)
For two centuries, economic growth has meant longer lives, better health, and material comfort. But has growth now come to an end? What can be done to restart the engine? Or should we halt growth deliberately, given its environmental costs? This panoramic book addresses the most fundamental economic questions from a deeply ethical perspective (Diane Coyle, Bennet Professor of Public Policy at Cambridge University and author of GDP: A BRIEF BUT AFFECTIONATE HISTORY)
Growth – the lack of it, the search for it, the barriers to it – is the challenge at the core of most political debates and with which all politicians struggle. Susskind's study is a tour de force. (Gordon Brown)
Daniel Susskind writes with verve, style and conviction about one of the most important issues of our age (Rory Stewart)
This is a wonderfully elegant and authoritative explanation-cum-manifesto for what is perhaps the most important economic issue facing us today - the mystery of economic growth and what we need to do to solve it (Andy Haldane)
This is a remarkable survey of a complex subject that is both erudite and immensely readable. Susskind’s thoughtful discussion of the issue is historical and practical, offering insights into how innovation and growth can be boosted, and it is a timely contribution to a vitally important debate (PD Smith)
Helpful for working out how to think about growth... His policy prescriptions centre on how to generate new ideas. (Soumaya Keynes)
An ambitious attempt to resolve the growth dilemma. (Edward Chancellor)
Clear and sensible… Growth succeeds smartly as a history of thought
All stars
Most relevant
The author does a good job of explaining one of the topical issues in the public discourse. In the first part he illustrates quite clearly and engagingly the main ideas and the classical and modern economic models of growth, in a way highly accessible to non-specialists. However, as the book progresses, it exhibits severely diminishing returns, losing focus and incisiveness and bordering on waffle. Still, recommended.

Good primer on growth, trimming required

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At the very beginning there is a comparision between the one of the last remaining Hunter-gathering tribes and the ancient tribes - the conclusion is that because the remaining tribes are very wealthy the ancient tribes must have been as well. Well there is a reson why these tribes survived to modern days, and there is alos a reson why people moved to cities.

Hunter gatherer tribes

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Very thoughtful and clear summary of the meaning, influence and drawbacks of growth as measured by GDP. A much more woolly text once Susskind gets on to solutions, better metrics, and policy advice. Hence 4 stars, not five. Maybe the book should not have grown beyond 200 pages!

I also found the reading a bit laboured. Professional actors often do do a better job than the author, I feel.

Mostly excellent

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An excellent, thoroughly research book. I’ve asked Amazon to track down and add the missing pdf that the author references several times.

Perceptive and clear

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A brilliant book - extremely well researched and very well articulated. Have 'read' 70+ books this year covering economics, geopolitics and the environment. This stands out as the best.

The only element it could have touched more on is the geopolitical challenges of Susskind's conclusion on trade-off driven growth, but that takes nothing away from a great book.

Book of the year 2024!

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