A Brief Economic History of the World
Interview with Gregory Clark about his books A Farewell to Alms and The Son Also Rises. Discusses why the Industrial Revolution didn’t create global economic equality, citing significant labour productivity differences, even under similar institutions (e.g., British India vs. England). Argues that local culture and aspirations crucially influence output. Uses surname data to show that English social mobility has been consistently low and unchanged since 1300, irrespective of social interventions. Interprets this as evidence of a slow-moving, generational meritocracy. Concludes many top-down interventions are ineffective, advocating for humility in policy and stressing individual agency and societal contentment.
