Monday, July 19, 2010

The Tyranny of Dead Ideas: Letting Go of the Old Ways of Thinking to Unleash a New Prosperity, by Matt Miller

This book was absolutely fascinating. Everyone I know should read it -- you may not agree with all of the author's conclusions and policy prescriptions (I didn't) but I guarantee that you will shake your head numerous times in agreement with the underlying analysis, and have at least a few "oh crap" moments as you realize how much differently we're going to need to do things here in America if we are to have a reasonable chance at maintaining our standard of living and our status in the world.

Through numerous excellent examples and historical analysis, the author makes what should be a painfully obvious point but is sadly obscured by inertia, intellectual laziness, and the short-sighted politics of self interest: Times have changes and we as a country need to make major changes if we want to continue thriving as a country.

Moreover, he compellingly explains why many huge changes are coming whether "we" want them to or not. The only question is whether we will change proactively when we can better manage the transitions, or will we change when macroeconomic and other unstoppable forces clobber us into it the hard way.

Sadly, I fear we are in for the hard way on many of the issues.