An iconic work that narrates and deciphers the economic history of humanity from its beginnings to the digital age.

Economic history is full of phenomena that are often unexpected. These are crises, which arrive and always seem to be something unprecedented, whether it is a health crisis like that of 2020 or an economic one, such as, among others, the 2008-2009 crisis.

The globalization of the economy and the constantly increasing influence of new technologies – the two dominant features of our days – might lead us to think that analyzing the past is pointless.

However, distinguished economist Jean-Marie Daniel believes that the evolution of the global economy, from its beginnings, can serve as a source of ideas for addressing today’s problems, taking into account that crises have always offered a prime opportunity to reexamine not only the policies that were implemented but also the very institutions.

Focusing on the impacts of the predatory behavior of the “idle” – the bureaucrats of the public and private sectors – on the value created by the “productive” members of society, the author offers us a captivating overview of the development of economic theories and policy implementation at a global level, which challenges many established beliefs.