Ferraris for all
In defence of economic progress

Author/Editor(s):

Daniel Ben-Ami

Format:

Hardback , 296 pages , 216 x 138 mm

ISBN

9781847423467

Published:

14 Jul 2010

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The global financial crisis has produced a fresh outpouring of growth scepticism: the idea that we would all be better off in a world without economic growth. Daniel Ben-Ami has provided a timely and thought-provoking reminder of why we need growth and the benefits that it brings.
David Smith, Economics Editor, The Sunday Times

Daniel Ben-Ami is an important voice for reason and fact in our current economic debates. His book is a probing contribution to understanding the decisive way that economic growth helps everyone everywhere on the social ladder. Ben-Ami's style is incisive and entertaining, his argument crucial to understanding our present economic plight.
Denis Dutton, Editor, Arts & Letters Daily

Growth is one of the great issues of our time. Its benefits are manifest and anybody arguing against it will have to take on Ben-Ami's core opinions.
Bryan Appleyard, Sunday Times

It is always exciting when a book challenges basic assumptions and makes us look again at issues we thought we had fully grasped. Daniel Ben-Ami's new book does just that..... Ben-Ami's distinctive contribution is to clarify the ideological barriers to progress. Thanks to him, those who wish to defend the pursuit of material and social improvement know the nature of the anti-growth beast, and are thus in a better position to slay it.
Sean Collins in Spiked

About This Book

The growth of the economy and the spread of prosperity are increasingly seen as problematic rather than positive. They are accused of encouraging greed, damaging the environment, causing unhappiness and widening social inequalities. The mainstream acceptance of these views is a trend Daniel Ben-Ami has termed 'growth scepticism'.Ferraris for all is a rejoinder to the growth sceptics. Using examples from a range of countries, the author argues that society as a whole benefits from greater affluence. Action is needed - not to limit prosperity, but to encourage creativity and growth in resolving the problems of poverty, inequality and the environment, to increase abundance and to spread it worldwide.Lively and provocative, this timely book will trigger debate and dissent in equal measure."An exceptional and much needed book." Angus Kennedy, Culture Wars

Author Biography

Daniel Ben-Ami has worked as a journalist specialising in economics and finance for over 20 years, during which he has contributed to many national newspapers and specialist publications. His book on global finance, Cowardly Capitalism (Wiley, 2001), was recommended by the Baker Library of Harvard Business School. His website and blog can be found at www.danielbenami.com .

Contents

Introduction
Part one: The rise of growth scepticism: Growth: supporters and opponents
What is growth scepticism?
The narrowing of horizons: why growth scepticism has come to the fore
Part two: Taking on the sceptics: Better than ever: how our lives have improved immensely
Happiness
Environment
Inequality
Conclusion.

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