About the book
Economist Tyler Cowen argues that the secure middle of the American job market is disappearing. In a sequel to his pamphlet The Great Stagnation, he describes high earners who use computers to get ever better results, while about three quarters of the new jobs since the great recession pay no more than $13.52 an hour. Cowen sees economies splitting between a small, educated minority able to work with automated systems and a large majority earning little, and he treats freestyle chess, played in teams with software, as a preview. He also covers online education and what the shift means for taxes, benefits and debt. Published in 2013, it lays out the path Cowen thinks workers and entrepreneurs should take.
Ryan Holiday called it the most important book he read in 2013, framing a passage for his wall and buying copies for several other people.
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This book has 1 recommendation
Ryan Holiday (Founder/Brass Check)
This was the most important book I read this year. It’s the only one I framed a passage from to put on my wall. It was the only one I thought was so good I bought for multiple other people this year (it also inspired the one piece of writing I am most proud of this year). Cowen’s books have always been thought provoking, but this one changes how you see the future and help explain real pain points in our new economy–both good and bad. Although much of what Cowen proposes will be uncomfortable, he has a tone that borders on cheerful. I think that’s what makes this so convincing and so eye opening. A hollowing out is coming and you’ve got to prepare yourself (and our institutions) as best you can.
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