What have been the main drivers of capitalism and where is it heading? Can the current market sustain itself into the foreseeable future? Paul Manson attempts to answer these questions and more with a detailed analysis of the evolution of capitalism and the transition to a post capitalist society. His book “Postcapitalism: A Guide to Our Future”, questions society’s notion of work after presenting the fundamentals of capitalism and its direction.
This book introduces the history of capitalism and different perspectives from individuals such as Karl Marx. It is fascinating to learn about political factors such as neoliberalism, or the shift to capitalising on leisure activities. Manson delves into the cycles of capitalism on a macro level, while identifying influencing factors on a micro level that may seem unrelated at first. This historical context highlights the fact that capitalism did not always exist, raising the possibility that an alternate economic system could emerge.
It is important to consider how value is measured when exploring economic models. Manson points out how economic value is shifting from labour towards services, and more recently towards interconnected information. The rise of modern technology has enabled the development of evermore complex networks such as the internet, creating a new type of value. Manson delves into how the value of interconnected information influences the market on multiple levels.
Manson continued on to question if capitalism is sustainable. By highlighting the key drivers, we can see that the current model will struggle to continue for several reasons. The ease for individuals to obtain knowledge has changed the nature of capitalistic behaviour. The rise of freely available information and the elimination of marginal costs to reproduce products are pushing retailers out of markets.
Manson describes a life where no one is paid, and people work out of their personal desire to contribute to society. By drawing on these ideas from Alexander Bogdanov’s 1908 utopian novel “Red Star”, motivation to work in modern society has been made clearer to me. This key factor of motivation to work is ingrained in current economic and political models. This idea tests systems that may alter human behaviour for social change.
“Postcapitalism: A Guide to Our Future” stimulates thought into our perception of work and desire to earn money. Manson’s deep analysis of economic models required an attentive read to fully comprehend the ideas. This book is integral to understanding the future of how our markets could operate. His thoughts and ideas are not a certain indication of how society will progress. However, they provide insight into how our desire to add value in our lives consequently dictates how we live.
Are you interested in learning more by reading this book?
Books for Thought 