Capital in the Twenty First Century

by Thomas Piketty
Capital in the Twenty First Century cover
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  • ID: 617
  • Added: 2025-09-18
  • Updated: 2025-09-18
  • Reviews: 3
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londonreviewbookshop.co.uk · Unknown · 2025-09-23
insightful 4.50

Capital in the Twenty-First Century by Thomas Piketty is a groundbreaking work that challenges conventional economic theories and offers a comprehensive analysis of wealth inequality. The book's extensive historical data and compelling arguments make it a must-read for anyone interested in economics and social justice.

Capital in the Twenty-First Century by Thomas Piketty is a monumental work that delves deep into the dynamics of wealth and income inequality. Piketty's extensive use of historical data and his compelling arguments make this book a standout in the field of economics. The book challenges conventional theories and offers a fresh perspective on how capitalism functions. It's a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the economic disparities that shape our world. Piketty's insights are both thought-provoking and timely, making this book relevant to current debates about wealth distribution and social justice.

Quick quotes

    The fundamental contradiction of capitalism is that it is a system that thrives on inequality, yet it promises equality of opportunity.

    The concentration of wealth is one of the defining features of capitalism, and it is a trend that is likely to continue.

    The only way to address the growing inequality is through progressive taxation and redistribution of wealth.

slatestarcodex.com · Unknown · 2018-06-24
insightful 4.00

Capital in the Twenty-First Century by Thomas Piketty is a comprehensive study of macroeconomic history, focusing on long-term economic growth and inequality. The reviewer found Piketty's analysis of economic growth rates and the role of rentiers particularly insightful, though they had some reservations about certain aspects of his historical interpretations.

Capital in the Twenty-First Century by Thomas Piketty is a monumental work that delves into the quantitative macroeconomic history of Western countries over the past 250 years. The reviewer, who is not an economist, found the book to be a valuable introduction to economic history. Piketty's data-driven approach provides a unique perspective on long-term economic trends, particularly the consistent growth rate of 1% to 1.5% per year since the Industrial Revolution. This insight challenges common perceptions of economic growth and offers a fresh lens through which to view historical events. The book also explores the concept of rentiers, individuals who live off the interest from their investments, and how their role has evolved over time. While the reviewer found Piketty's analysis compelling, they had some doubts about certain historical interpretations, such as the duration of Europe's economic recovery post-World War II. Overall, the book provides a thought-provoking examination of economic inequality and the forces that drive it.

Quick quotes

    Piketty spent decades combing through primary sources trying to get good statistics for what the economies of various Western countries have been doing over the past 250 years.

    The most important thing I learned from Piketty is that since the Industrial Revolution, normal economic growth has always been (and maybe always will be) between 1% and 1.5% per year.

    It’s fitting that Piketty uses an old word, because rentiers were more common and more important in the old world than they are today.

theguardian.com · Unknown · 2014-07-17
intriguing 4.00

Capital in the Twenty-First Century by Thomas Piketty is a significant book on inequality, praised for its extensive data and analysis. While it highlights the dramatic rise in income inequality, especially in the US, the evidence for increasing wealth inequality is less clear. The book's central argument about the future of capitalism is debated, with some economists questioning the strength of the forces driving wealth inequality.

Capital in the Twenty-First Century by Thomas Piketty is a monumental work that has sparked intense debate. Initially celebrated for its comprehensive data on inequality, the book argues that income inequality has surged since the 1970s, particularly in the US. Piketty's claim that the top 1% captured 60% of the increase in US national income over 30 years is widely accepted. However, the evidence for rising wealth inequality is less convincing. Some economists doubt the strength of the forces pushing towards greater wealth inequality, and recent trends in the UK show that the labour share of national income has rebounded. Piketty's analysis of wealth begetting more wealth is compelling, but the data on wealth concentration is patchy and inconclusive. The book's omission of the broader economic and social impacts of wealth distribution is notable, leaving some key questions unanswered.

Quick quotes

    The past devours the future.

    These are remarkable numbers.

    The biggest threat to a family fortune was not the taxman or the markets but the family itself.

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