Economic Growth: Unleashing the Potential of Human Flourishing

by Edd S. Noell

For almost 10,000 years of recorded history, most people had to eke out a living in pain and difficulty. But today, the deep poverty that was the global norm for most of human history is almost entirely foreign to citizens of the developed world. What caused this burst of prosperity? What has been its impact? In Economic Unleashing the Potential of Human Flourishing, Edd S. Noell, Stephen L. S. Smith, and Bruce G. Webb make a comprehensive case for economic growth, equipping readers with an understanding of not only its pragmatic benefits but also its moral dimensions. The authors offer empirical evidence from the past two centuries showing the relationship between growth and human well-being, greater global income equality, and environmental improvements and sustainability. They make the case that economic growth is key to lifting societies from dire poverty to prosperity and holds the promise of sustaining unreached levels of human flourishing.

Genres: Economics, Nonfiction

141 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 3, 2013

Reviews

[Cooper · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hits a high level overview of economic growth and the effects it has on human flourishing. Some of the arguments are presented quickly and do not thoroughly address the counter arguments but that is the nature of a small book. Great resource to be introduced to economic growth and the benefits for society.

[Sergey · Rating 2 out of 5]

Provides a US-centric view of the global economy. Very little explanation is given as to why certain conclusions are drawn, which might be a shortcoming of the chosen book format. While I may share the Christian values, I honestly do not think an economics book is a suitable place to thrust them upon a reader.

[Addie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The perfect handbook for economics novices, students, laymen, or anyone looking to review the basics (and read a case for the moral value of) economic growth. It fits in any purse or pocket, and provides exactly what it purports to: answering questions about historical and continued economic prosperity or lack thereof.

[Nathan Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Balanced Approach

This book was co-authored by two of my college professors (Smith and Webb). I enjoyed the analysis and Christian perspective a great deal. A quick read that helps explain the moral dilemma associated with choices in economic growth.

[Candice · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Economic Growth” is a great mini-book/essay defining the value of growth in relation to human flourishing. A lot of the discussion was similar to another Values and Capitalism mini-book (“Mere Environmentalism”).

The following are some of my favorite passages:

“Economic growth was the key that transformed societies from dire poverty to prosperity and well-being.” – p. 2

“Policies that restrain trade in order to protect an economy from foreign competition have proven particularly damaging to the poor.” – p. 38

“. . . over time income growth is compatible with, and may be essential for environmental protection.” – p. 45

“Poverty is a key cause of environmental degradation.” – p. 46

“Individuals have an inalienable dignity that requires institutions that respect their freedom of action and the legitimacy of their command over resources, even as those individuals are called to make wise decisions about their time, talents, and responsibilities.” – p. 73

“Countries can embark on short-sighted policies and behaviors that produce temporary growth but end in pain and contraction. To get growth right takes wise choice and, at bottom, a citizenry willing to maintain and defend a culture that values human dignity, individual responsibility, trust, civic-mindedness, and other virtues. Economic growth can, in fact, help sustain these virtues and can encourage generosity and promote deeper relationships among peoples of differing racial, ethnic, and national identities.” – p. 111