First published 2016
Edward Conard challenges America's fixation on income inequality in this provocative economic analysis. The former Bain Capital partner argues that successful Americans drive employment and wage growth rather than suppress it. Conard contends that government efforts to reduce inequality through redistribution actually harm economic progress by weakening incentives for risk-taking and skill development. He traces how the economy now faces constraints from limited risk capacity and talent shortages rather than traditional labor or capital restrictions. The author directly counters arguments from economists like Larry Summers and Joseph Stiglitz while dismantling claims about crony capitalism. Conard presents a framework for raising middle class wages as the economy transitions from manufacturing to innovation-based industries. He offers readers a data-driven perspective on why protecting high rewards for success benefits all income levels through accelerated growth and expanded prosperity.
Genres: business, economics, non-fiction, academic
Vibes: thought-provoking
Tropes: data-driven
320 pages · Hardcover · Portfolio