Podcasts that mention 📚 Why Nations Fail by Daron Acemoglu, James A. Robinson

You know, 'Why Nations Fail,' the book that I wrote with Jim Robinson, for example, was really what I would have loved to write as a teenager.

Daron Acemoglu reflects on his book 'Why Nations Fail,' which he co-authored with Jim Robinson, expressing that it was a work he dreamed of writing since his teenage years. This mention highlights how the book exemplifies his deep interests in economics, politics, and their effects on society.

► Watch this excerpt @ 00:06:39

You give fascinating examples in the book 'Why Nations Fail,' like there was this guy named William Lee who invented something called a stocking frame that dramatically sped up the rate at which people could knit, and one would expect this guy would get a hero's welcome. But you tell the story in the book that it was quite the opposite.

In the podcast, Steve Levitt discusses 'Why Nations Fail,' highlighting a story about William Lee, who invented a stocking frame that significantly increased knitting efficiency, yet did not receive the hero's welcome one might expect.

► Watch this excerpt @ 00:11:10

Living in the United States in the 21st century, it seems normal, almost inevitable, that there's rule of law, that there are property rights, that there's democracy, but looking back over human history—and I hadn't really fully understood this till I read 'Why Nations Fail'—not only are all of these pretty rare, but the set of circumstances that led to rule of law and property rights and democracy taking hold first in England and then spreading actually seems somewhat miraculous: that at some point early on an autocrat didn't stop the whole process, derail it, and go back to this central control of all the assets.

In this episode, host Steve Levitt reflects on how reading 'Why Nations Fail' has reshaped his understanding of the historical rarity of rule of law, property rights, and democracy.

► Watch this excerpt @ 00:14:30

If you want more of Daron Acemoglu’s thinking, my two favorite books of his are the ones we talked about today: 'Why Nations Fail' and his most recent book, 'Power and Progress.' And next week, we are back with a brand new episode featuring Richard Reeves; his research into the struggles of boys and men is stunning, sobering, and extremely important.

In this segment, podcast host Steve Levitt recommends the book 'Why Nations Fail' by Daron Acemoglu for listeners who want deeper insights into Acemoglu's ideas, concluding this episode with his enthusiastic endorsement.

► Watch this excerpt @ 00:38:47

My guest today, Daron Acemoglu, is a professor of Economics at MIT and co-author of a number of influential books written for a popular audience, including "Why Nations Fail" and "Power and Progress."

In this episode, host Steve Levitt introduces his guest, Daron Acemoglu, highlighting him as the co-author of the influential book 'Why Nations Fail,' which has gained recognition for its insights into economics.

► Watch this excerpt @ 00:00:13

Okay, so back in 2012, you and James Robinson published a book called "Why Nations Fail: The Origins of Power, Prosperity, and Poverty."

In this segment, Steve Levitt refers to the book 'Why Nations Fail: The Origins of Power, Prosperity, and Poverty', co-authored by Daron Acemoglu and James Robinson, highlighting its significance in the discussion.

► Watch this excerpt @ 00:02:37

You give fascinating examples in the book "Why Nations Fail," like there was this guy named William Lee who invented something called a stocking frame that dramatically sped up the rate at which people could knit, and one would expect this guy would get a hero's welcome, but you tell the story in the book that it was quite the opposite.

In this segment, podcast host Steve Levitt discusses the book 'Why Nations Fail,' highlighting intriguing examples, including the narrative of inventor William Lee, who created a stocking frame that significantly increased knitting efficiency, yet faced an unexpected reception.

► Watch this excerpt @ 00:10:20

That's what triggered the "Why Nations Fail" book, which you have so kindly explained in such a masterly way, and that's also what motivated my more recent book "Power and Progress."

Daron Acemoglu discusses how the ideas he presented were the inspiration for his book 'Why Nations Fail', while also referencing the motivation behind his more recent work, 'Power and Progress'.

► Watch this excerpt @ 00:12:31

But looking back over human history, and I hadn't really fully understood this until I read "Why Nations Fail," not only are all of these pretty rare, but the set of circumstances that led to rule of law and property rights and democracy taking hold first in England and then spreading actually seems somewhat miraculous, that at some point early on an autocrat didn't stop the whole process dead and go back to this central control of all the assets.

Podcast host Steve Levitt reflects on how he gained insights into the principles of rule of law by reading 'Why Nations Fail,' a book by Daron Acemoglu and James Robinson.

► Watch this excerpt @ 00:13:37