The Death of Money

The Coming Collapse of the International Monetary System

By: James Rickards

Narrated by: Sean Pratt

Length: 13 hrs and 13 mins

Publisher's summary

The international monetary system has collapsed three times in the past hundred years, in 1914, 1939, and 1971. Each collapse was followed by a period of tumult: War, civil unrest, or significant damage to the stability of the global economy. Now James Rickards, the acclaimed author of Currency Wars, shows why another collapse is rapidly approaching - and why this time, nothing less than the institution of money itself is at risk.

The American dollar has been the global reserve currency since the end of the Second World War. If the dollar fails, the entire international monetary system will fail with it. No other currency has the deep, liquid pools of assets needed to do the job.

Optimists have always said, in essence, that there’s nothing to worry about—that confidence in the dollar will never truly be shaken, no matter how high our national debt or how dysfunctional our government. But in the last few years, the risks have become too big to ignore. While Washington is gridlocked and unable to make progress on our long-term problems, our biggest economic competitors—China, Russia, and the oil producing nations of the Middle East—are doing everything possible to end U.S. monetary hegemony. The potential results: Financial warfare. Deflation. Hyperinflation. Market collapse. Chaos.

Rickards offers a bracing analysis of these and other threats to the dollar. The fundamental problem is that money and wealth have become more and more detached. Money is transitory and ephemeral, and it may soon be worthless if central bankers and politicians continue on their current path. But true wealth is permanent and tangible, and it has real value worldwide.

The author shows how everyday citizens who save and invest have become guinea pigs in the central bankers’ laboratory. The world’s major financial players—national governments, big banks, multilateral institutions—will always muddle through by patching together new rules of the game. The real victims of the next crisis will be small investors who assumed that what worked for decades will keep working.

Fortunately, it’s not too late to prepare for the coming death of money. Rickards explains the power of converting unreliable money into real wealth: gold, land, fine art, and other long-term stores of value. As he writes: “The coming collapse of the dollar and the international monetary system is entirely foreseeable… Only nations and individuals who make provision today will survive the maelstrom to come.”

©2014 James Rickards (P)2014 Gildan Media LLC

Critic reviews

“A terrifically interesting and useful book . . . fascinating." (Kenneth W. Dam, Former Deputy Secretary of the Treasury and Adviser to three Presidents)

If you interested in current economics listen to this

The book is well read. If you are interested in economics of the times this book is very good

It provides a great deal of background information coupled with some history to make a strong case for 3 possible future outcomes and gives sound advice about how to prepare for each of them.

Painful Truth > Blissful Ignorance

Is there anything you would change about this book?

I would change the narration. What is covered in this book is sometimes tough to understand and can get boring. The narrator's tone was just tedious and I found myself needing to review sections I had tuned out of.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Death of Money?

What is memorable is the basic premise; that our government and the governments of the prominent world powers work together to deceive their people while enriching those well-connected insiders. The value of our dollar currency isn't worth the paper it's printed on let alone whatever denomination is printed on it. Horrifying.

Who would you have cast as narrator instead of Sean Pratt?

Dream narrator: a talented man or woman capable of delivering dry content in an interesting and exciting (well, let's just say compelling) manner.

Did The Death of Money inspire you to do anything?

I am inspired to continue learning, hedging, shorting, buying assets, focusing on true money not currency, and having a bit more understanding about what is being broadcast by our internet and other media.

Any additional comments?

I would suggest reading other books on the subject so that you can come to your own conclusions about personal financial and living plans.
Remember the 5 "G's": Grub, Ground, Gold, Guns and God. Not necessarily in that order.
(This was not part of this particular book.)

Must read, and not for entertainment

Rickards should honestly be running the govt... If want the truth then read his book.

Very Informative!

In the beginning of the book it tells of a new kind of war for which most people haven't really realized yet, but are finally coming to understand. There are many ways of bringing down a country without ever firing a shot and I think that's something people need to understand because the majority when they think of a coming World War 3 think in terms of a shooting war. In today's era nations are employing many different strategies other than physical fire power. Overall it is very informative about monetary policy and the move towards a new monetary system that hides a lot of financial motives behind the scene. One big take away to keep an eye on going forward is the "SDR" which stands for "Special Drawing Rights" and it really means a new one world currency clothe in different words so people won't be scared or aware of it. The ending is good as well and if you can't make it through the first half at least listen to the second half of the book all the way to the end.

Enlightening entertaining and thought invoking

Author James Rikkards draw upon history and grasp of current events offers us a compelling view of events that will take place in the near future comparable to biblical prophecy

What a story!

From 9/11 to insider trading to Chinese economy to Charlemagne and the history of Europe to IMF to the gold standard and of course the US dollar, this book takes a reader on an incredible journey through history, politics, and economics. I enjoyed it immensely. Though this book is meant to provide insight into the future and financial investment advice, I don’t see it as such. You don’t have to agree with the author’s claims to enjoy this book.

Why isn't he chairman of the federal reserve?

I'm just a layman and concerned US citizen, witnessing the destruction of my grand kids' future. To me, Mr. Rickards' take on the situation makes far more sense than the path we're on.

good for details and education

some parts are dry, it is economics afterall. after i listened i windered how AI and robotics reducing unit labor costs would impact the conditions he covers. also not a lot of discussion on how falling worldwide population will impact forecasts over the next 30 years. the final chapter gives specific warning signs to look for indicating an impending dollar collapse.

Currency 101

The books gives a overview of how competing currencies in the world; Dollar, SDR, EUR and Swiss francs compete with one another for supremacy. It also describes how the dollar could falter in the future and different scenarios that could happen thereafter.

Eye opening

Struggle to follow it due to its complete and detailed explanations on capital markets and global economy, but the conclusion chapter is pristine and simply powerful