Why Things Are Falling Apart and What We Can Do about It (Paperback) - Common

by Charles Hugh Smith

Things are falling apart-that is obvious. But why are they falling apart? The reasons are complex and global. Readers of my blog oftwominds.com asked me to explain why in a clear, comprehensive way, and then present solutions. This book is my answer. Our economy and society have structural problems that cannot be solved by adding debt to debt. We are becoming poorer, not just from financial over-reach, but from fundamental forces that are not easy to identify or understand. We will cover the five core reasons why things are falling 1. Debt and financialization 2. Crony capitalism and the elimination of accountability 3. Diminishing returns 4. Centralization 5. Technological, financial and demographic changes in our economy Increasingly complex and costly systems weakened by diminishing returns collapse under their own weight and are replaced by systems that are simpler, faster, better and affordable. If we cling to the old ways, our system will disintegrate. If we want sustainable prosperity rather than collapse, we must embrace a new model of finance, government and community that is Decentralized, Adaptive, Transparent and Accountable. We are not powerless. Not accepting responsibility and being powerless are two sides of the same once we accept responsibility, we become powerful.

214 pages, Paperback

First published November 6, 2012

Reviews

[Shyam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome

This is best I read about current future and past path of world.. Thanks for writing this book. I recommended it highly,

[Emeraldia Ayakashi · Rating 5 out of 5]

" Things are falling apart—that is obvious. But why are they falling apart? The reasons are complex and global. If we cling to the old ways, our system will disintegrate. If we want sustainable prosperity rather than collapse, we must embrace a new model of finance, government and community that is Decentralized, Adaptive, Transparent and Accountable. We are not powerless. Not accepting responsibility and being powerless are two sides of the same coin: once we accept responsibility, we become powerful. "

[Aashish · Rating 3 out of 5]

Basic 101 description of what ails the US financial and social systems. Tries to oversimplify and cover a lot in 207 pages. Offers no specific recommendations but the problem identification is good. First 5 sections stand out.

[Peter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent.