Fewer, Richer, Greener

Prospects for Humanity in an Age of Abundance

By: Laurence B. Siegel

Narrated by: Steve Menasche

Why do so many people fear the future? Is their concern justified, or can we look forward to greater wealth and continued improvement in the way we live?

Our world seems to be experiencing stagnant economic growth, climatic deterioration, dwindling natural resources, and an unsustainable level of population growth. The world is doomed, they argue, and there are just too many problems to overcome. But is this really the case? In Fewer, Richer, Greener, author Laurence B. Siegel reveals that the world has improved - and will continue to improve - in almost every dimension imaginable.

This practical yet lighthearted book makes a convincing case for having gratitude for today's world and optimism about the bountiful world of tomorrow. Life has actually improved tremendously. We live in the safest, most prosperous time in all human history. Whatever the metric-food, health, longevity, education, conflict - it is demonstrably true that right now is the best time to be alive. The recent, dramatic slowing in global population growth continues to spread prosperity from the developed to the developing world. Technology is helping billions of people rise above levels of mere subsistence. This technology of prosperity is cumulative and rapidly improving: we use it to solve problems in ways that would have be unimaginable only a few decades ago.

©2020 Laurence B. Siegel (P)2020 Gildan Media

The future is bright!

I am a conservationist and do believe that humans are causing some degree of global warming. Siegel shows us an educated, realistic view of our civilization. Where we started and where we can possibly progress to from here. It is refreshing to hear someone say that we are better today than yesterday and that’s a good thing. We are moving in the right direction. We simply need to adapt and change along that way as we always have. Good listen!

Logical understanding

I enjoyed the thoughtfulness of the author and his sources. Steve Sexauer’s contribution made the economic side make greater sense.
I recommend if you want logic over hysteria or facts over hyperbole.

Refreshing view of Humanity

In a world filled with pessimism, divisiveness and hopelessness, Siegel does a nice job of explaining why humanity can and will rise to the challenge.

Figures and Charts

Like: The reader performance is excellent.

Dislike: This book seems to be a summary of various other books related to the message. Also, the text is continuously referring to charts, diagrams, and figures, which defeats the purpose of an audiobook in my opinion. If you are interested in this title, read the hard copy.

Not the right format or narrator

This book needs a PDF companion. I had to stop after the first chapter. Describing graphs will not cut it for me. I need to see them. I also think that Steve Menasche doesn’t take the right tone for this book. Yes this is a book about optimism, but I felt like I was back in church listening to a pastor that was “too” happy. It cheapens it and makes it seem like there’s something to prove.

So I’ve purchased the kindle version instead. For this kind of content, I’d rather listen to my own voice.