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Every book Nick Hanauer recommended on podcasts
Nick Hanauer appeared on The Diary Of A CEO with Steven Bartlett to debate economic structures and the middle class, referencing several foundational economic texts to support his arguments on wealth distribution. He discussed Henry George's 1879 book Progress and Poverty, describing it as an early historical work addressing the dynamic of the rich taking from the poor and laying bare systemic economic inequality. Continuing his historical analysis of economic theory, Hanauer referenced John Rogers Commons and Henry George's concepts regarding the distribution of wealth, pointing to the origins of the theory of marginal productivity as a framework designed to justify income disparity. Furthermore, he cited Adam Smith's seminal work The Wealth of Nations, noting that even Smith outlined the inherent power asymmetries between employers and employees. Through these references, Hanauer grounded his modern critique of economic inequality and corporate power dynamics in the historical evolution of economic thought and classical theory, providing listeners with a detailed perspective on wealth accumulation and labor relations.
Books recommended by Nick Hanauer
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Henry George's Progress and Poverty
Henry George's Progress and Poverty by Henry George is an influential 1879 economic text that examines the paradox of advancing poverty alongside material progress and addresses land monopoly.
Discussed“So in 1879, a guy named Henry George writes a book called Progress and Poverty in the United States. And basically, it's the first book about the rich stealing from the poor.”
Where to get it
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Progress and Poverty
Progress and Poverty by Henry George is an 1879 foundational economic text that explores the paradox of advancing material progress alongside persistent poverty and wealth inequality.
Discussed“So in 1879, a guy named Henry George writes a book called Progress and Poverty in the United States. And basically, it's the first book about the rich stealing from the poor.”
Where to get it
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The Distribution of Wealth
Discussed“And so Henry George writes a book called The Distribution of Wealth, in which he invents this idea called Theory of Marginal Productivity, which asserts this idea.”
Where to get it
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The Wealth of Nations
Why people recommend it: Adam Smith's The Wealth of Nations is a foundational 1776 text by the Scottish economist often regarded as the father of modern capitalism, examining the nature and causes of national prosperity through free markets and division of labor.
Discussed“And you know, even even Adam Smith in the in in the Wealth of Nations outlined this asymmetry of power.”
Where to get it
Appearances
| Episode | Podcast | Date | Books |
|---|---|---|---|
| Death of the Middle Class: Billionaire vs Entrepreneur DEBATE - Daniel Priestley v Nick Hanauer | The Diary Of A CEO with Steven Bartlett | 2026-06-08 | 4 |