Episode · The Jordan B. Peterson Podcast · 2021-02-08
Books mentioned on Rational Optimism | Matt Ridley | EP 153
Books mentioned, in the order they came up
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The origins of virtue
The Origins of Virtue by Matt Ridley is a thoughtful scientific investigation into the biological, evolutionary, and moral roots of human cooperation and altruism.
Discussed“the ones i reviewed this week in preparation for this interview include this one published in 1996 the origins of virtue which is a lovely investigation into the biological origins of morality essentially a very thought-provoking book and a very straightforward read for such a complex subject”
Where to get it
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The Rational Optimist
Matt Ridley's influential work "The Rational Optimist" explores the long-term history of human progress, arguing that prosperity fundamentally arises when ideas are shared and combined.
Discussed“the rational optimist which was published i believe in 2010 and which i think probably serves as a pretty good description of matt ridley himself”
Where to get it
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How Innovation Works
How Innovation Works by Matt Ridley is an accessible examination of how human ingenuity, technological progress, and economic prosperity develop over long historical spans.
Discussed“that was my impression after after going through his work and then more recent work um how innovation works and why it requires freedom to flourish”
Where to get it
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The Wealth of Nations
The Wealth of Nations by Adam Smith is a foundational 1776 text in economics that explores the nature and causes of the wealth of nations, famously introducing concepts like the division of labor and the invisible hand of the free market.
Discussed“now i'm only here repeating what adam smith said in um uh the wealth of nations about the you know the the the butcher and the baker are not uh giving you bread and beer because they want to be kind to you they're doing it to make a living but they end up being kind to you and you”
Where to get it
