Wealth and Poverty: A New Edition for the Twenty-First Century

George Gilder has been rated a legendary analyst on high-tech. After reading this book, I can see how he got that rating. Mr. Gilder covers the analysis of economics by comparing past economic writers, and making his own analyses. He makes one conclusion after another, after presenting his case, and hits the nail on the head. What should governments in the US do? - He explains what they should do. What should individuals, poor and rich do? - He explains what they should be doing. Mr. Gilder also explains the heart of what separates rich from poor, and the fundamental reason may surprise you. He also tells why this underlying power is not explained by economic statistics, but by the inner workings of each human being. I highly reccommend this book. In fact, at the first chance that I get, I plan to read his most recent book, and gain his unique insights...

I THOUGHT THIS WAS INFORMATIVE , NOT THAT EASY TO READ THOUGH ! BUT , IMPORTANTINFORMATION FOR EVERYONE TO UNDERSTAND . I HOPE MR GILDER CONTINUES TO WRITE ANDSPEAK OUT ON GOVERNMENT POLICY , ECONOMIC PRINCIPLES , TAXES , ETC .

The original Wealth and Poverty was one of a few great books in the 20th Century. This book is a rehash but a rehash is well worth the read and investment. However the data is old and without new examples based on more current data this books usefulness is downgraded. The references date back mostly to the 1970s and early eighties. Of course some are relevant but many conclusions should be based on more current data. The conclusions however are excellent and well reasoned.I feel I am criticizing a great person but that is not my intent. George Gilder is a hero as his insight changed many to understand not just economics but the future. I have worn out at least three copies of the original Wealth and Poverty but learned a lot in this new edition. This is a great book by a great American. Buy it and study it.

George Gilder presents his arguments for the superiority of supply-side economics. He provides a lot of good evidence for why a smaller government is best. He shares convincing data but there are also many passages with very questionable standards. For example, he claims real jobs are jobs that produce more than they consume. Based on this, he has no problem with government jobs per se. These sorts of confusions lead to nothing but conflicts later on when explaining why a small government is preferred. He needs to go deeper and realize the importance of individual freedom. Capitalism is good because it is the only system that appreciates individual freedom. Government is bad because it violates the rights of individuals. Gilder ultimately does not believe in individual rights, he doesn't have a problem with coercing individuals, as long as the outcomes are to his liking. This is the same underlying principle of all collectivists. Whether their goal is the public good or some other higher end, collectivists require force; and that is the underlying issue that needs to be discussed more today....is force okay? If it's not okay for individuals to force each other, why is it okay for groups of individuals? And if it's not okay, what are the implications.Entertaining and some original thoughts but three stars based on the confusing standards used.

If you are an entrepreneur, own your own business or aspire to the American Dream of being fabulously wealthy someday, you will love this book. You will validate your ambition. You will see why your goals are totally reasonable and why you should never, ever stop trying to reach the brass ring of the American Dream. If you are watching for the mailman to make sure your government check is about to hit this book is not for you. If you think everyone is entitled to the same salary, the same job, the same house and no responsibility then don't buy this book!

A libertarian approach to economics, points out the necessity to work hard and be innovative to get ahead financially, and how so many of our citizens have been trapped into remaining poor because our government gives them much more in benefits than they can earn in entry level jobs. It is hard to accept that our politicians have such a poor understanding of human nature. It is like they want to keep a large part of the country poor and dependent on government handouts stolen from the productive workers in society.

This is the most make sense book on economics I have read. People who acquire wealth are usually those who provide what others want. Government only distorts this process to favor those who are unable to sustain what their predecessors had built. A business can only survive as long as it serves its customers and if those who take over for the builders cannot maintain what was built, they will loose it. Remember shirtsleeves to shirtsleeves in 3 generations a sound maxim.

This book is extremely "heady" and is basically a reminder what capitalism is, and is not. The author carefully disects socialism and capitalism and shows how they are reciprocal of each other. It gives views from the left and the right but courageously defends capitalism and demeans socialism for the United States.If you are into economics and economic theories you will enjoy this book.

AWESOME AWESOME AWESOME

Originally written in the late 1970’s, this book has been updated in 2012. It gives a refreshing view of capitalism as founded in altruism and individual entrepreneurship as the driving force to prosperity. The helping hand of government is seen to result in strangulation of individual motivation, as it clamps down on both the wealthy and the poor.The book is backed up with footnotes and a bibliography. Everyone who claims to want to help humanity and the environment should read it.

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