Debt: The First 5,000 Years, Updated and Expanded

Debt: The First 5,000 Years,Updated and Expanded

by David Graeber

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	3523 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	765 pages

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Unveiling the Hidden History of Money, Credit, and Inequality

In the annals of human history, debt has played a pivotal role, shaping civilizations, driving economic growth, and fueling both progress and conflict. From the earliest civilizations of Mesopotamia to the modern global financial system, debt has been an integral part of our social, economic, and political fabric.

In his groundbreaking work, "Debt: The First 5,000 Years," anthropologist and economic historian David Graeber unravels the complex tapestry of debt, tracing its origins, examining its profound impact on societies, and exposing the hidden connections between money, power, and inequality.

A Journey Through Time and Debt

Graeber's narrative takes us on a fascinating journey through time, beginning with the earliest forms of debt in ancient Sumer, where farmers borrowed grain from temple granaries. We witness the evolution of debt from a means of facilitating trade and commerce to a tool of social control and a source of vast wealth and power.

Graeber delves into the role of debt in the rise and fall of civilizations, from the Roman Empire to the feudal societies of medieval Europe. He explores the connection between debt and warfare, the impact of debt on religious beliefs and practices, and the ways in which debt has shaped our understanding of justice and morality.

Debt as a Tool of Power and Control

Graeber argues that debt has often been used as a tool of oppression, enabling the wealthy and powerful to control and exploit the poor. He traces the history of debt slavery, the use of debt to finance colonial expansion, and the role of debt in the cycles of poverty and inequality that have plagued societies throughout history.

Graeber challenges the conventional wisdom that debt is always a bad thing, showing how it has also played a positive role in social organization and economic development. He argues that the key to understanding debt is to recognize its social and political implications and to reject the simplistic notion that it is simply a financial obligation.

The Modern Debt Crisis

Graeber concludes his work by examining the modern debt crisis, arguing that the global financial crisis of 2008 was a direct result of the reckless accumulation of debt by financial institutions. He calls for a radical rethinking of our approach to debt, proposing alternative systems of finance that prioritize social equity and sustainability.

Praise for "Debt: The First 5,000 Years"

"A must-read for anyone who wants to understand the history and impact of debt on our world." - The Guardian

"A brilliant and provocative exploration of one of the most fundamental and misunderstood aspects of human existence." - The New York Times Book Review

"A groundbreaking work that challenges our conventional understanding of debt and its role in history and society." - The Economist

"Debt: The First 5,000 Years, Updated and Expanded" is an essential read for anyone interested in history, economics, or the human condition. It is a profoundly insightful and thought-provoking work that will challenge your assumptions and provide a deeper understanding of the world we live in.

Whether you are a scholar, a student, or simply a curious individual, Graeber's masterpiece offers a unique and invaluable lens through which to view the past, present, and future of debt.

Free Download your copy today to embark on this captivating journey into the hidden history of money, credit, and inequality.

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Debt: The First 5,000 Years,Updated and Expanded

by David Graeber

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	3523 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	765 pages

FREE