It’s not the first time my beloved The Economist gives me a great book tip. It has happened many times already. Usually I’m cutting a book review to my Evernote. Months later I get back to these notes and see how many great books I can read or listen to (thanks to audible.com).

This time I wanted to read some of social studies, but less of economics. And this book perfectly fits my request.

I don’t know if authors are right or wrong. They criticize many theories I become a lively proponent. But without fear of being inconsistent I shall recommend it to my friends.

Why Nations Fail: The Origins of Power, Prosperity and Poverty. 

By Daron Acemoglu and James Robinson.

The main idea is simple and well known: society arranges the way it lives. But the way authors get to this conclusion through history of different societies evolution and abrupt changes makes me see things happening in my motherland as well as in the world as a whole in different perspective.

As The Economist puts it:

…some governments get it wrong on purpose. Amid weak and accommodating institutions, there is little to discourage a leader from looting. Such environments channel society’s output towards a parasitic elite, discouraging investment and innovation. Extractive institutions are the historical norm. Inclusive institutions protect individual rights and encourage investment and effort. Where inclusive governments emerge, great wealth follows.

It helps me distinguish well constructed lie which well educated people pour on my via their propaganda in order to prove the extraction regime in this or that country.

I do love the possibility to download the book on my Kindle. It’s quick and convenient. But, come on… Why is the electronic version as 4 dollars as more expensive than a hardcover?

But apart from that, I encourage everyone to read this book.