The Price of Inequality

How Today's Divided Society Endangers Our Future

By: Joseph E. Stiglitz

Narrated by: Paul Boehmer

Length: 13 hrs and 4 mins

Publisher's summary

The top 1 percent of Americans control 40 percent of the nation's wealth. And, as Joseph E. Stiglitz explains, while those at the top enjoy the best health care, education, and benefits of wealth, they fail to realize that "their fate is bound up with how the other 99 percent live."

Stiglitz draws on his deep understanding of economics to show that growing inequality is not inevitable: moneyed interests compound their wealth by stifling true, dynamic capitalism. They have made America the most unequal advanced industrial country while crippling growth, trampling on the rule of law, and undermining democracy. The result: a divided society that cannot tackle its most pressing problems. With characteristic insight, Stiglitz examines our current state, then teases out its implications for democracy, for monetary and budgetary policy, and for globalization. He closes with a plan for a more just and prosperous future.

©2012 Joseph E. Stiglitz (P)2012 Tantor

A little boring, a little dated, but still great.

A little boring, a little dated, but still great. Maybe look for more recent work from Stieglitz.

Very Informative

The roots of the hyperpartisanism were clearly explained - at least this authors hypothesis. What was really interesting are the games that politicians play to get what THEY want and there are times that what they want is not in alignment with what is best for their constituents.

I was of the belief that the present lack of bipartisan cooperation was due to Obama being an African American (and I do believe that plays a big part especially in the minds of some very vocal voters) but I have come to realize that there are bigger issues at play.

Convincing arguments

Would you consider the audio edition of The Price of Inequality to be better than the print version?

I think it is easier to listen but the print or Kindle (which I have) version helps with tables, charts, and statistics provided in the text. In order to recall it later I find that it helps to read as well as hear that type of material. Also, the book contained detailed footnotes and references. By having the print version, I was able to look up reference materials and read it myself.

What did you like best about this story?

This is nonfiction but there is nonetheless a story line tracing the development of inequality over the 20th Century. The most important message is that inequality hurts everyone including those at the top and that a certain amount of income and wealth leveling is good for everyone.

great idea

If you could sum up The Price of Inequality in three words, what would they be?

there a lot to this book. i like some of it and some of it scary me. that being said this book should be read.

A Book Every American Should Read

What made the experience of listening to The Price of Inequality the most enjoyable?

Although this book is full of economic facts, it's easy to understand. After listing to this offering, you will understand why the author won a Nobel Prize in economics. I highly recommend this to anyone interested in knowing more about how the inequality in our economy is hurting this country in multiple ways.

What other book might you compare The Price of Inequality to and why?

End The Depression Now!, by Paul Krugman

What does Paul Boehmer bring to the story that you wouldn???t experience if you just read the book?

Mr. Boehmer made listening to this book a pleasure!

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

I particularly found the author's concluding comments thought provoking.

Any additional comments?

If you purchase this book you will not regret your decision!

Important and clearly presented

Stiglitz lays out a compelling view of our increasingly unequal society. Causes, implications, and how we might address the problems are discussed with clarity. While this issues from the "liberal" side of the political spectrum - it is one to read if a balanced view of our current political debate is desired.

An important reminder

Would you listen to The Price of Inequality again? Why?

Certainly parts.

What’s the most interesting tidbit you’ve picked up from this book?

In one instance it cost the state $4 million to save the city $1 million. This is not a once-in-a-lifetime occurrence.

Any additional comments?

Stieglitz's main points are ones that nobody with any moral sense could deny and that can never be restated too often. The solutions he proposes may not seem the best to everyone, but most are eminently sensible, and if we look at things objectively rather from the standpoint of personal interest, we have to approve most of them. For instance, I personally prefer to leave my estate to people close to me without giving any to the government, and if it comes to a vote on the estate tax, I would vote against it out of personal interest, especially when I see the vast sums paid to banks who give obscene amounts to underserving CEOs. However, IF I could vote for all or several of Stieglitz's recommendations as a packet, I would certainly not hesitate!

Stieglitz book is a timely reminder 1. that our entire society has evolved in a deplorable direction during the past few decades and that we are heading somewhere that nobody wants to go 2. that our personal well-being is closely connected to the well-being of the society in which we live, so if that society is undermined by excessive inequality and a pernicious ideology based on selfishness, certain things that may seem to be personal sacrifice are in fact a way to save our society and ourselves. This may not be anything "new", but most of us lose sight of this in our lives. Those who reject Stieglitz's book might well ask themselves whether it is because he uncomfortably pricks their inner moral sensibility that it is more comfortable to ignore.

Do not let negative comments here keep you from reading this book with its important and well-argued message! It was not one of the books I started listening to with the most eagerness, but I was immensely happy and grateful when I did.

Thought-provoking

Very clear explanations; makes complex topics clear. Excellent frameworks for better, more comprehensive understandings. Excellent.

Very interesting! I found it great!

What did you love best about The Price of Inequality?

It is well structured and very clear. I've learned many things about the economics of our time.

Contens everything I wanted to know about

What made the experience of listening to The Price of Inequality the most enjoyable?

Reveals the real facts about inequality and analizes causes, current status and possible future development either if something gets done about or not. The tretment of the theme provided me with a reasonable criteria.