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Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
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Investing With Impact summary
Jeremy K. Balkin
Why Finance is a Force for Good
13 mins
Brief summary
Investing With Impact by Jeremy K. Balkin is a guide for investors who want to do well by doing good. It shows how socially responsible investing can make a positive impact on the world, while also generating healthy returns.
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Investing With Impact
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Key idea 1 of 5
The capitalist system isn’t inherently evil; it’s people that make it bad.
No tool is inherently good or bad. Morality enters the picture when tools are put to use. For instance, an axe can save lives when it’s used to chop wood to build a fire in winter; in the hands of a murderer, however, that same axe could be a weapon. Capitalism is a tool like any other.
Since human beings ultimately control the capitalist system, it’s up to us to decide whether capitalism is used for good or bad.
The capitalist system works by establishing a free market that is based on empowered individuals who are free to make their own decisions. Over the past 50 years, this system has brought prosperity and made the world a better place for many.
Thanks to free trade, the wealth of nations has risen, as have levels of employment and self-sustainability – all of which has improved living standards.
According to a 2014 World Bank report, approximately 80 percent of poverty reduction is due to a nation’s economic growth through free trade and free markets. Free trade and free markets are also what halved global poverty between 1981 and 2005.
Capitalism’s ameliorative effects have led most people to view capitalism in a positive light. In fact, a 2014 study by the Pew Research Center showed that 4.5 billion people in the world think that free-market capitalism is the best economic system.
Now, you might be thinking, “What about the 2008 financial crisis? Wasn’t this the result of a broken system?”
As a matter of fact, the crisis was the result of moral and societal issues. The people who made the financial decisions failed – not the system itself.
The crisis stemmed from the greedy and selfish actions of bankers who favored short-term earnings over long-term benefits and disregarded what was best for their communities.
In retrospect, the immoral actions of US energy company Enron foreshadowed the crisis that followed.
The company collapsed into bankruptcy after they tried to hide debts by exploiting loopholes and posting false numbers. Rather than trying to provide a helpful service, the company strove to improve the stock price and earn big returns and dividends.
The motives of bankers were similarly greed-driven. Rather than helping clients, they based their actions on self-interest alone.
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What is Investing With Impact about?
Investing With Impact (2015) explores how people have harnessed the power of capitalism to do good and improve society at large. As a number of ethical and philanthropic investors have shown, finance needn’t be a system of pure greed. Find out why the frequently demonized capitalist system may well be the secret to saving the world.
Investing With Impact Review
Investing With Impact (2018) is a thought-provoking exploration of how we can align our investments with our values, creating positive change while still achieving financial goals. Here's why this book is worth reading:
- Delving into sustainable investing strategies, it provides practical guidance on how to invest in companies that prioritize environmental, social, and governance factors.
- Through compelling case studies and expert insights, it demonstrates that investors can generate competitive returns while making a positive impact on the world.
- With its engaging narrative and eye-opening statistics, the book challenges conventional investment practices and inspires readers to be more conscious investors.
Who should read Investing With Impact?
- Investors and entrepreneurs seeking to improve the world
- People looking for answers after the 2008 financial crisis
- Bankers who want to make money ethically
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Investing With Impact FAQs
What is the main message of Investing With Impact?
The main message of Investing With Impact is to align your investments with your values and create positive change in the world.
How long does it take to read Investing With Impact?
The reading time for Investing With Impact varies depending on the reader's speed, but it typically takes several hours. The Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.
Is Investing With Impact a good book? Is it worth reading?
Investing With Impact is a worthwhile read for anyone interested in making a positive impact through their investments. It provides practical insights and guidance for socially responsible investing.
Who is the author of Investing With Impact?
Jeremy K. Balkin is the author of Investing With Impact.
What to read after Investing With Impact?
If you're wondering what to read next after Investing With Impact, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- Other People’s Money by John Kay
- The Wisdom of Finance by Mihir A. Desai
- Goals-based Investing by Tony Davidow
- Finance for the People by Paco de Leon
- Clever Girl Finance by Bola Sokunbi
- 21st Century Investing by William Burckart and Steven D. Lydenberg
- The Mind's Mirror by Gregory Mone
- Marriage Be Hard by Kevin and Melissa Fredericks
- The Four Pillars of Investing by William J. Bernstein
- We Should All Be Millionaires by Rachel Rodgers
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