More From Less

How We Learned to Create More Without Using More

By: Andrew McAfee

Narrated by: Andrew McAfee

From the coauthor of the New York Times bestseller The Second Machine Age, a paradigm-shifting argument “full of fascinating information and provocative insights” (Publishers Weekly, starred review)—demonstrating that we are increasing prosperity while using fewer natural resources.

Throughout history, the only way for humanity to grow was by degrading the Earth: chopping down forests, polluting the air and water, and endlessly using up resources. Since the first Earth Day in 1970, the focus has been on radically changing course: reducing our consumption, tightening our belts, and learning to share and reuse. Is that argument correct?

Absolutely not. In More from Less, McAfee argues that to solve our ecological problems we should do the opposite of what a decade of conventional wisdom suggests. Rather than reduce and conserve, we should rely on the cost-consciousness built into capitalism and the streamlining miracles of technology to create a more efficient world.

America—a large, high-tech country that accounts for about 25% of the global economy—is now generally using less of most resources year after year, even as its economy and population continue to grow. What’s more, the US is polluting the air and water less, emitting fewer greenhouse gases, and replenishing endangered animal populations. And, as McAfee shows, America is not alone. Other countries are also transforming themselves in fundamental ways.

What has made this turnabout possible? One thing, primarily: the collaboration between technology and capitalism, although good governance and public awareness have also been critical. McAfee does warn of issues that haven’t been solved, like global warming, overfishing, and communities left behind as capitalism and tech progress race forward. But overall, More from Less is a revelatory and “deeply engaging” (Booklist) account of how we’ve stumbled into an unexpectedly better balance with nature—one that holds out the promise of more abundant and greener centuries ahead.

Excellent For Optimists and Pessimists Alike

What news media talks about positive news? Even on CNBC do you hear much about the great companies who’s stocks go up almost all the time? This book is about the why of the positive trends in the world that are driving global growth. The reader is left with optimism for humanity and a greater understanding of how smart people like Warren Buffet are so bullish on America.

Key Universally Applicable Perspective

More from Less is a keystone work for our time. The scope, pace, and gravity falls in the space of Harari, yet is able to identify the particular problems of the current age managing to avoid the cliche biases of his own day. This book is unique, critical, and enlightening in an age of darkness.

A must read for the environmentally conscious

"More from Less" is essential reading for anyone concerned about economic fairness, global warming, social isolation, and the fate of mankind. But be prepared to have your mind changed by fact, reason, history, and logic.

An antidote for enviro-existential angst

Thorough analysis and statics. I agree that there was a bit too much focus on AGW but not surprising. I think the recent booms in EV adoption and AI fit nicely with his conclusions.

Very educational

Great reading about a trend that makes you more optimistic about the future
McAfee did a great job explaining the facts in a orginized manner.