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Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
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Angrynomics summary
Eric Lonergan and Mark Blyth
How we can rearrange our economies to produce more equality and less anger
19 mins
Brief summary
Angrynomics by Eric Lonergan and Mark Blyth is a socio-economic book that explains why people are angry and how traditional economic policies have failed to address this. It offers insights into how to create a fairer society and avoid future crises.
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Angrynomics
Summary of 5 key ideas
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Key idea 1 of 5
Anger can actually help societies succeed – but only when it’s justified.
Northern Ireland, 1980. The population is divided between those seeking reunification with Ireland and those loyal to Britain. Unfortunately, over the next decade, thousands are killed and wounded because of the conflict.
Iceland, 2017. The “Panama Papers” leak reveals that top government officials operate offshore tax havens. Reykjavik is flooded with protesters. They don’t leave until the government collapses.
Philadelphia, 2018. The Eagles win the Super Bowl. In the hours after the game, fans riot and tear up large parts of the city.
These seem like disparate actions, but they’re not. The uniting element is anger. This fiery emotion is a key driver of contemporary events. However, all anger isn’t the same. Indignation can work to rectify injustice, but it can also be used to discriminate and divide.
The key message here is: Anger can actually help societies succeed – but only when it’s justified.
Anger is an inherent part of society. Despite its bad reputation, it often serves a useful purpose. You see, anger reinforces the social norms we establish to protect the collective good. If an individual violates a norm by, say, cheating or stealing, they will be met with the collective ire of their peers.
This form of collective anger can be called “moral outrage.” Fear of this fury is great for preventing people from acting selfishly; it can also fuel the fire needed to fix injustices. This was the case in Iceland. When citizens found out that politicians had been secretly shirking their duties, their moral outrage toppled the administration in favor of a more fair government. This is justified anger – that is, anger directed at the roots of actual injustice.
However, there is another form of collective anger that presents itself as tribalism. This anger encourages people to adhere to an identity group and aggressively attack those perceived as outsiders. It’s a collective response to stress, fear, and uncertainty. In modern politics, this tribalism often takes the form of nationalism. As we’re witnessing today, appealing to nationalism can be a very effective way to motivate voters without having to address any actual policy problems.
Just look around the globe for examples. Politicians like Narendra Modi in India, Viktor Orbán in Hungary, and Donald Trump in the United States have all used this type of anger to build political support. Specifically, Trump took the dissatisfaction felt by Americans in economically depressed regions of the country and transformed it into tribal anger against immigrants. It was effective in getting elected, but it didn’t solve any problems.
So, what are some legitimate sources of anger in today’s world? We’ll look at that question in the next blink.
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What is Angrynomics about?
Angrynomics (2020) examines the growing atmosphere of anger around the globe. Part political theory, part social science, this approachable text diagnoses the cause of the rising resentment and proposes a few popular solutions.
Angrynomics Review
Angrynomics (2020) is a thought-provoking exploration of the intersection between economics, politics, and anger in our society. Here's why this book is definitely worth reading:
- The book offers unique insights into the causes and consequences of our collective anger, shedding light on the dynamics that shape our world.
- By examining historical events and current issues, the authors provide a compelling analysis of how anger influences economic and political systems, making it relevant and eye-opening.
- Combining rigorous research, expert interviews, and relatable examples, this book provides a comprehensive understanding of anger's role in shaping our society.
Best quote from Angrynomics
The effects of recession and a secular trend in inequality provide legitimate economic reasons for anger.
—Eric Lonergan and Mark Blyth
Who should read Angrynomics?
- News junkies seeking fresh takes on the current political climate
- Activists wishing to understand popular movements
- Anyone with an interest in where the world is headed
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Angrynomics FAQs
What is the main message of Angrynomics?
Angrynomics explores the link between rising anger and the erosion of liberal democracies, offering insights into the political and economic issues contributing to societal unrest.
How long does it take to read Angrynomics?
The reading time for Angrynomics varies. However, the Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.
Is Angrynomics a good book? Is it worth reading?
Angrynomics is a thought-provoking read that sheds light on the complexities of today's social and economic challenges.
Who is the author of Angrynomics?
The authors of Angrynomics are Eric Lonergan and Mark Blyth.
What to read after Angrynomics?
If you're wondering what to read next after Angrynomics, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- Surrounded by Idiots by Thomas Erikson
- Antifragile by Nassim Nicholas Taleb
- Across That Bridge by John Lewis
- The Origin of Wealth by Eric D. Beinhocker
- The Deficit Myth by Stephanie Kelton
- Atomic Habits by James Clear
- The Coddling of the American Mind by Greg Lukianoff and Jonathan Haidt
- Don't Believe Everything You Think by Joseph Nguyen
- A Short History of Nearly Everything by Bill Bryson
- Stillness Is the Key by Ryan Holiday