Principles for Dealing with the Changing World Order

Why Nations Succeed or Fail

By: Ray Dalio

Narrated by: Jeremy Bobb, Ray Dalio

Length: 16 hrs and 48 mins

Publisher's summary

New York Times Best Seller

“A provocative read ... There are few tomes that coherently map such broad economic histories as well as Mr. Dalio’s. Perhaps more unusually, Mr. Dalio has managed to identify metrics from that history that can be applied to understand today.” (Andrew Ross Sorkin, New York Times)

From legendary investor Ray Dalio, author of the number-one New York Times best seller Principles, who has spent half a century studying global economies and markets, Principles for Dealing with the Changing World Order examines history’s most turbulent economic and political periods to reveal why the times ahead will likely be radically different from those we’ve experienced in our lifetimes - and to offer practical advice on how to navigate them well.

A few years ago, Ray Dalio noticed a confluence of political and economic conditions he hadn’t encountered before. They included huge debts and zero or near-zero interest rates that led to the massive printing of money in the world’s three major reserve currencies; big political and social conflicts within countries, especially the US, due to the largest wealth, political, and values disparities in more than 100 years; and the rising of a world power (China) to challenge the existing world power (US) and the existing world order. The last time that this confluence occurred was between 1930 and 1945. This realization sent Dalio on a search for the repeating patterns and cause/effect relationships underlying all major changes in wealth and power over the last 500 years.

In this remarkable and timely addition to his Principles series, Dalio brings listeners along for his study of the major empires - including the Dutch, the British, and the American - putting into perspective the “Big Cycle” that has driven the successes and failures of all the world’s major countries throughout history. He reveals the timeless and universal forces behind these shifts and uses them to look into the future, offering practical principles for positioning oneself for what’s ahead.

©2021 Ray Dalio. All rights reserved. (P)2021 Simon & Schuster Inc. All rights reserved.

Most Illuminating book I’ve read in two generations

Dalio uses thousands of years data and logic to uncover patterns in the rise and fall of empires. History does repeat itself. This is a brilliant book that high schools and colleges worldwide would benefit from adopting into their curriculums. Superb economic history and investing insights.

Doesn’t bite the hand that feeds

I generally appreciate the openness with which Dalio shares his thought processes. However, in this book he clearly steers clear of directly acknowledging the IP theft and other abuses of the Chinese government. He also gives surprisingly warm praise to President Xi of China. It’s clear his financial ties (investments) to China keep him from being too critical of that country.

A necessary read.

The way Ray Dalio finds to summarize history, economics and politics is just mesmerizing. And not only that but the case he makes for the changing world orders is very interesting. Specially with the power transition between China and the US.

When Ray speaks you should listen.

This is very informative. It's worth listening to more than once. The big picture here.

Not a book to ignore!

If you're the type of person that is thinking about this book. Buy it. You won't be disappointed. It is likely one of the most important books you'll read.

The most important book I've read this year

I've read about 60 books so far this year and this one is by far the most important.

Worth every minute

I’m going to listen to this book for a second round. I just wish Ray did all the recordings himself.

Essential.

This book contains many hard truths that we need to come to terms with. Many reviewers of this book fell into the temptation to call Ray a "China lover" because he points out their strengths. You'll need to keep an open mind and resist your nationalistic urges. Again, these are hard truths but the only way we can improve is to acknowledge them and find the best way forward. The knowledge in this book is a great gift to mankind. Thank you Ray!

One of the most important reads today!

I stumbled across Ray Dalio’s book during a time when I continue to struggle with the political battle in the U.S.

My mother is from Russia and my Father’s family dates back to the early settlers. That has produced more conservative values on the immigrant side and slightly left leaning values from those who’ve been here,(and had family work for government arms like NASA.)
I struggle back and forth between all the information thrown at us about who’s bad, who’s good. Summer 2020 drama, COVID handling, foreign policy with Afghanistan or China, border stuff, and the obvious growing divide on what to do with our finances.

This book gives a very clear historical perspective on nationalism, globalism, ideals for the collective/ top down, individualism/bottom up, and so much along with it. I also love Ray’s desire to involve technology to help him make sense of history and the blends of systems countries try today. I really gained a lot from a man who’s spent much time in the U.S. and China also understanding each culture better.
Thank you for producing this book. It has made me and this world better. Please read or listen to it… especially if you’re frustrated with the everything going on today.

great insights

it was a bit redundant and the frequent reference to charts and diagrams simply illustrates the limitations of"reading" a book like this using audible. the book did a good job of trying to lay out principles and showing the reader to draw their own conclusions. helpful for me to consider some long held biases that have different angles and perspectives.