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cursetea's review against another edition
2.0
Some interesting history in here, but I was hoping for a genuine new idea for a system after capitalism and instead what's presented is basically communism/socialism with info-tech included. I think so often these ideas of amazing future societies don't really include democracy in the short to medium term - the policies suggested are huge and I can't see them being implemented by an average government without democracy being at least temporarily reduced. Also very confused about the potential of a post-scarcity society when we have a finite planet - will be picking up Red Star to see if it illuminates things. Overall an interesting thought piece but not as practical as promised.
dadooronron's review against another edition
3.0
It has been a long 2 months reading this book. Not because it wasn't well written. It was. Very well written. Paul Mason certainly knows his stuff. And that was my downfall because I didn't. Some concepts are hard to figure but I am very impressed by Paul's width and depth of knowledge. Wow. Sadly I just couldn't grasp some of it. Much more to this than meets the eye. Loved the book's last sentence though.
jorgepinto's review against another edition
5.0
Looking for some tips about the days to come? So spend some time reading this magnificent work by Paul Mason.
Reading is not always easy and has some "economic language" that might make it complicated for the non-experts (like myself) but, globally, is understandable.
The book tells the stories of how we came to this point (on a very historic way) and, not less important, gives us some clues of what might be ahead of us in the near future.
Because a good post-capitalism is essential, reading this book is an important source of knowledge and ideas.
Reading is not always easy and has some "economic language" that might make it complicated for the non-experts (like myself) but, globally, is understandable.
The book tells the stories of how we came to this point (on a very historic way) and, not less important, gives us some clues of what might be ahead of us in the near future.
Because a good post-capitalism is essential, reading this book is an important source of knowledge and ideas.
africker's review against another edition
4.0
Very glad to have read this. The history and theory of marxism became a bit much at times but a vision for a more hopeful and equal future is appreciated
jollyquaker's review against another edition
4.0
I wouldn't normally find myself reading a book on economics, but Mason's clear and engaging style drew me in. I can't say I followed every thread, but what I did follow I found thoroughly convincing. A book that simultaneously fills me with fear and hope.
seltzer11's review against another edition
4.0
I find the comments and reviews of many adults amusing. Ripping his ideas apart. I myself am an adult paying taxes and working whilst doing university. The idea, this project of postcapitalism, is a glimpse into an alternate future in which basic income, abundance of time and resources and genuine innovation are real. The Man no longer in control. Those are the goals I strive for, simply because the way we're as a society moving forward now won't work for much longer. If you don't see the factual data given in the book by Mason all around you, you must be living in an alternate and better reality.
Many chapters of the book were dry and didn't keep my interest high but most of it was relevant to understand his final chapters; to understand the basics of his proposed plan for postcapitalism. I'd recommend the book if you're willing to face reality and a potential future within grasp.
Many chapters of the book were dry and didn't keep my interest high but most of it was relevant to understand his final chapters; to understand the basics of his proposed plan for postcapitalism. I'd recommend the book if you're willing to face reality and a potential future within grasp.
agnestyley's review against another edition
challenging
informative
slow-paced
3.0
enjoyed:
- clear and punchy explanation of how information technology is fundamentally altering the functionality of capitalism (zero marginal cost, go pirate!)
- there being PRACTICAL HOPE and a determination amongst the left!
- the joys of open source projects like wikipedia - free stuff = good! humans should not have to work if their needs are met
- destroying the neoliberal consensus (market economy ≠ only economy, shockingly)
confusing:
- so much marxist economic theory. which is interesting but oh so very confusing to understand when you have absolutely zero grounding in fundamental economics
- as much as i love labour history you should not have 50% of a book that's supposed to be a "guide to the future" about the historical development of industrialism
- why there was very little focus on the role of the global south, especially in the final chapter (the only bit actually about the future). yes he would occasionally reference it but no foregrounding or empowerment of actors in the global south, very western centric. the few sentences of the impact of climate on migration were good, but a mere few sentences.
glad I read but felt it was not written coherently tbh. he had a lot of ideas about various things but they didn't all need to go in one book.
- clear and punchy explanation of how information technology is fundamentally altering the functionality of capitalism (zero marginal cost, go pirate!)
- there being PRACTICAL HOPE and a determination amongst the left!
- the joys of open source projects like wikipedia - free stuff = good! humans should not have to work if their needs are met
- destroying the neoliberal consensus (market economy ≠ only economy, shockingly)
confusing:
- so much marxist economic theory. which is interesting but oh so very confusing to understand when you have absolutely zero grounding in fundamental economics
- as much as i love labour history you should not have 50% of a book that's supposed to be a "guide to the future" about the historical development of industrialism
- why there was very little focus on the role of the global south, especially in the final chapter (the only bit actually about the future). yes he would occasionally reference it but no foregrounding or empowerment of actors in the global south, very western centric. the few sentences of the impact of climate on migration were good, but a mere few sentences.
glad I read but felt it was not written coherently tbh. he had a lot of ideas about various things but they didn't all need to go in one book.
experax's review against another edition
4.0
"The 99% are coming to the rescue. Postcapitalism will set you free."