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In 'Winners Take All: The Elite Charade of Changing the World', author Anand Giridharadas critically examines the actions of the global elite who claim to be making positive changes in the world. He challenges the notion that the wealthy can solve social problems that they themselves have contributed to, shedding light on the superficiality of their efforts and the need for structural, collective solutions. Giridharadas argues that true social change must come from organic movements, elected leaders, and legislation, rather than being led by the elites who often prioritize profit and self-enrichment over meaningful progress.

If you liked Winners Take All: The Elite Charade of Changing the World, here are the top 100 books to read next:

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  1. 'The Corporation: The Pathological Pursuit of Profit and Power' by Joel Bakan delves into the concept of corporations and their pursuit of profit above all else. Through a detailed analysis, Bakan exposes the unethical practices and motivations of corporations, showcasing how they prioritize financial gain over societal well-being. The writing style is insightful and methodically argued, providing in-depth examples and illustrations to support the premise that corporations operate as inhumane money-making machines. Bakan also discusses the legal background of corporations and the extreme consequences of their actions, highlighting the need for increased regulation and accountability.

    Over the last 150 years the corporation has risen from relative obscurity to become the world’s dominant economic institution. Today, corporations govern our lives. They determine what we eat, what we...

  2. #2

    Less is More: How Degrowth Will Save the World by Jason Hickel
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    'Less is More: How Degrowth Will Save the World' by Jason Hickel is a well-written exploration of challenging growthism ideologies and advocating for degrowth. It provides a concise introduction to the history of capitalism, the need for reducing material consumption, and transitioning to renewable energy. The author presents a compelling case for shifting from perpetual growth to a regenerative ecological economics story, emphasizing balance, biodiversity, and community values.

    We humans have been on this planet for nearly 300,000 years; fully evolved, fully intelligent, exactly as we are today. For approximately 97% of that time our ancestors lived in relative harmony with ...

  3. 'Lies My Teacher Told Me: Everything Your American History Textbook Got Wrong' by James W. Loewen is a critique of American history textbooks that offers real history to counteract the empty platitudes found in those textbooks. delves into white Americans' relationships with Native Americans and African Americans, pointing out the discrepancies and omissions in traditional historical narratives. Loewen reviews twelve American history books, highlighting their shortcomings and the importance of teaching controversial aspects of history. The writing style is described as informative, eye-opening, and engaging, providing readers with a fresh perspective on American history.

    One is astonished in the study of history at the recurrence of the idea that evil must be forgotten, distorted, skimmed over. We must not remember that Daniel Webster got drunk but only remember that ...

  4. 'The Entrepreneurial State: Debunking Public vs. Private Sector Myths' by Mariana Mazzucato delves into the intricate relationship between the public and private sectors in fostering technological innovation. The book challenges prevailing notions about the role of government in innovation, highlighting the crucial contributions made by public funding to drive breakthroughs in various industries. Through detailed examples and statistical evidence, Mazzucato argues that the government plays a vital role in not only financing but also shaping the direction of innovation, ultimately debunking myths surrounding the innovation process.

    Governments have always been lousy at picking winners, and they are likely to become more so, as legions of entrepreneurs and tinkerers swap designs online, turn them into products at home and market ...

  5. 'The New Corporation: How "Good" Corporations Are Bad for Democracy' by Joel Bakan delves into the far-reaching power of corporations and offers solutions to address the issues arising from their influence. Bakan provides an illuminating and concise account of the relationship between democratic citizens and corporate entities. He discusses the limitations of a company's willingness to do good due to its financial mandate, as well as the potential threats posed by the increasing corporate power to democratic institutions and governance.

    IT’S A COLD JANUARY NIGHT in Davos, high up in the Swiss Alps. Snow falls hard as Bibop Gresta, chair of Hyperloop Transportation Technologies, runs quickly down the town’s main street, dancing nimbly...

  6. #6

    Capitalist Realism: Is There No Alternative? by Mark Fisher
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    'Capitalist Realism: Is There No Alternative?' by Mark Fisher is a philosophical and critical breakdown of capitalism, exploring the disparity between the idealized vision of capitalism and its actual oppressive nature. Fisher draws examples from popular culture, literature, and philosophy to illustrate his arguments, discussing the entrapment of individuals within the capitalist system. He delves into the concept of 'Capitalist Realism' and challenges the normalization of capitalism in society, highlighting the pervasive influence of capitalism on various aspects of contemporary culture.

    In one of the key scenes in Alfonso Cuarón’s 2006 film Children of Men, Clive Owen’s character, Theo, visits a friend at Battersea Power Station, which is now some combination of government building a...

  7. 'The Deficit Myth: Modern Monetary Theory and the Birth of the People's Economy' by Stephanie Kelton challenges conventional economic beliefs, arguing that governments do not need to tax their people for money and that deficits can be beneficial. Kelton explores the idea of optimizing economic systems for human development rather than exploitation and advocates for setting priorities based on human needs. delves into Modern Monetary Theory (MMT) and its implications on government spending, monetary policy, and societal well-being.

    In 2015, I took a leave of absence from my job teaching economics at the University of Missouri–Kansas City and moved to Washington, DC, to serve as the chief economist for the Democrats on the US Sen...

  8. 'Open Veins of Latin America: Five Centuries of the Pillage of a Continent' by Eduardo Galeano is a historical masterpiece that delves deep into the exploitation and plunder faced by Latin America over the centuries. Galeano's writing style offers a poetic and vivid portrayal of the continent's tumultuous past, highlighting the impacts of European colonization, economic domination, and political upheavals on the region. The book covers a broad scope of Latin American history, shedding light on the struggles of the indigenous populations, the influence of foreign powers, and the enduring consequences of these historical events on the present-day socio-political landscape.

    When Christopher Columbus headed across the great emptiness west of Christendom, he had accepted the challenge of legend. Terrible storms would play with his ships as if they were nutshells and hurl t...

  9. #9

    The New Confessions of an Economic Hit Man by John Perkins
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    John Perkins' 'The New Confessions of an Economic Hit Man' delves into the author's experiences as an economic hitman, pressuring presidents of poor countries into signing exorbitant contracts with major US construction companies, ultimately leading to financial and environmental exploitation. The book explores the aftermath of World War II, detailing how the United States and the Soviet Union emerged as global powers, initiating the Cold War and the birth of economic hitmen. Through specific examples like Ecuador and Panama, Perkins sheds light on the detrimental impact of capitalism and the manipulation of developing nations for economic gain.

    I’m haunted every day by what I did as an economic hit man (EHM). I’m haunted by the lies I told back then about the World Bank. I’m haunted by the ways in which that bank, its sister organizations, a...

  10. #10

    Bullshit Jobs: A Theory by David Graeber
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    "Bullshit Jobs: A Theory" by David Graeber delves into the concept of meaningless and unnecessary jobs within developed economies. Graeber explores the psychological impact of leading a life defined by work that lacks meaning, supported by numerous stories and examples from individuals stuck in such roles. highlights the prevalence of white-collar bullshit jobs that often go unnoticed compared to blue-collar jobs, and suggests a shift towards Universal Basic Income as a solution. Graeber also questions the current economic system, drawing parallels between the proliferation of bullshit jobs and the feudalistic structure of society.

    Kurt works for a subcontractor for the German military. Or . . . actually, he is employed by a subcontractor of a subcontractor of a subcontractor for the German military. Here is how he describes his...

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