Liong's Reviews > The Rational Optimist: How Prosperity Evolves

This book presents a hopeful view of human progress and the future of our species.

Humans have consistently improved their lives despite facing obstacles like wars, diseases, and natural disasters.

Human prosperity is largely driven by the ability to exchange goods, services, and ideas.

The author argues that the progress of agriculture, government, and energy are the turning points of humanity.

Technology and innovation can help us find solutions to problems like climate change and resource depletion.

The author presents a hopeful view of human progress, emphasizing the importance of cooperation, innovation, and the exchange of ideas in overcoming challenges and improving the quality of life for people around the world.

Those interested in science, economics, and history (think Adam Smith, Charles Darwin) would find this book engaging.

The book goes into more detail with historical examples and interesting facts.

"The idea for plastic came from photographic chemistry."

"The camera pill is an idea that came from a conversation between a gastroenterologist and a guided-missile designer."

"In the Vienna exhibition, workmen accidentally connect a reserve dynamo with electricity and it begins to spin all by itself, in effect it becomes a motor."