The Great Degeneration: How Institutions Decay and Economics Die

middle of the pack due to length

short

n/a

How Institutions affect a civilization.
I didn't really find the reasons why they decay.
More of a case as to the effect.
Insightful book though.

Niall Ferguson is good at economic history. No doubt.

Niall Ferguson gives an excellent analysis of the factors playing into the problems of todays modern socities of the West. Even though I would like to remain a cautious optimist about the future, if we believe the professor we will, especially in the developed part of the world, be in for a tough ride in the years to come. Too many things are in flux at the same time, and too little will among general population, politicians and the ruling elite to take the necessary actions needed to change course of future history. Due to inappropriate actions and lack of taking the right actions we have set ourselves on a difficult path.

Narrator is good and clear

Great story on how great societies can wreck themselves. You will get a "what not to do" list for great civilizations

I normally love books of this genre but this one was poorly written and mindbogglingly boring. Don't waste your time.

This is a fascinating economic evaluation of current history. It is rational and there is no panic. Still its message is quite urgent.

I was sorry it ended and am quickly going on to the next book by the same author.

Has some good points but generally rambles and fails to draw any meaningful conclusions. Misses the mark.