Power and Progress

by Daron Acemoglu, Simon Johnson
Power and Progress cover
Good Books rating 3.33
Business and Economics
Technical
  • ID: 2712
  • Added: 2025-10-16
  • Updated: 2025-10-16
  • ISBN: 9781541702554
  • Publisher: Hachette UK
  • Published: 2023-05-16
  • Reviews: 3

Awarded the 2024 Nobel Prize in Economics, Daron Acemoglu and Simon Johnson challenge the conventional view of technological progress, revealing how it is often driven by the interests of the powerful rather than the public good. Through historical examples and contemporary analysis, they show how technological advancements have consistently benefited elites while leaving others behind. The authors argue that to achieve true innovation, we must ensure technology creates new opportunities rather than marginalizing the majority. They provide a manifesto for reshaping the path of technology, advocating for tools that empower and include, rather than concentrating power in the hands of a few. This book offers a groundbreaking economic theory and a vision for building a more equitable society.

Reviews
Cato Institute · 2025-10-16
mixed 3.50

The reviewer argues that the book provides a beneficial perspective on technology's role in society but criticizes the lack of depth in addressing the downsides of technological progress.

The Cato Institute's review of 'Power and Progress' acknowledges the beneficial perspective offered by Daron Acemoglu and Simon Johnson on technology's role in society. However, the reviewer criticizes the book for not delving deeply enough into the downsides of technological progress. They suggest that the authors could have drawn more from a century of thinking and writing about the negative impacts of technology. Despite this, the reviewer appreciates the book's overall contribution to the discussion on technological innovation and its societal implications.

Quick quotes

    For technology to be beneficial to society, it must be guided by the right institutions and policies.

    Critiques of technology run through the book, but the authors fail to draw on a century of thinking and writing about the downsides of technological progress.

    The book provides a valuable perspective on how technology can be harnessed for societal benefit.

Noahpinion Blog · Noah Smith · 2024-02-21
critical 2.50

The reviewer finds the argument that innovation should be steered away from automation unconvincing. They question the proposed solutions for technological progress.

Noah Smith, writing for his blog, critically examines Daron Acemoglu and Simon Johnson's arguments in 'Power and Progress'. He disagrees with their stance on steering innovation away from automation, finding their solutions less compelling. Smith delves into the nuances of their proposals, highlighting areas where he believes the authors fall short in providing a robust framework for technological progress. While he acknowledges the importance of their discussion, he remains unconvinced by their central thesis.

Quick quotes

    In which Daron Acemoglu and Simon Johnson fail to convince me that innovation needs to be steered away from automation.

    The authors present a compelling case for the problems with current technological trajectories, but their solutions feel underdeveloped.

    I remain skeptical about their proposed path forward for innovation.

The Guardian · 2023-05-07
positive 4.00

The book is praised for its bold interpretation of technology's benefits to elites and its call to reshape innovation for shared prosperity. The reviewer highlights the importance of the book's proposals for digital technology.

The Guardian's review of 'Power and Progress' commends Daron Acemoglu and Simon Johnson for their bold interpretation of how technology often benefits elites at the expense of the broader population. The reviewer appreciates the book's call to reshape the path of innovation to create true shared prosperity. They highlight the significance of the authors' proposals for repurposing digital technology for human flourishing, making it a crucial read for understanding the future of technological progress.

Quick quotes

    A formidable demolition of the technology-equals-progress myth.

    The book proposes ways in which digital technology can be repurposed for human flourishing.

    A bold new interpretation of why technology has all too often benefited elites.

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