"I believe it is vital for all of us to understand at least some principles of economic theories, so that we do not simply defend our own interests but primarily make our society a better place to live for ourselves and future generations. Do you think that the ideas and policies of your governments align with everything you believe is most important for all of us? Do you believe that tax burdens are fairly distributed between the largest companies in the world, on the one hand, and ordinary workers, on the other;
Do you think that everything possible is being done to give all children the opportunity to succeed in life? I don't think so." HO-JOON CHANG

In global economics, for decades, there has been a single dominant philosophy: free markets. An insipid and unhealthy dominance, like the food in 1980s Britain, as experienced by Ha-Joon Chang, accustomed to a colorful and diverse cuisine, typical of his homeland, South Korea.

In this book, the renowned economist makes demanding economic analyses more palatable by serving them with stories about foods from around the world. For Chang, chocolate causes permanent addiction, but even more fascinating are his penetrating analyses of post-industrial knowledge economies. When Chang talks about okra, which gives a strong flavor to the southern US stew, he also discusses the complicated relationship between capitalism, freedom, and the lack of freedom. Explaining everything from unpaid care work, whose contribution goes unrecognized, to the misleading rhetoric of free-market advocates, while simultaneously cooking dishes from various culinary traditions worldwide, Chang serves a rich and easily digestible meal of bold ideas.