The Limits of Capital: Why the World Is Poorer Than It Should Be

In his groundbreaking book, The Limits of Capital, David Harvey argues that the current global economic crisis is not simply a cyclical downturn, but rather a structural crisis of capitalism itself. Harvey traces the roots of the crisis to the inherent contradictions of capitalism, which he argues are ultimately unsustainable.

The Contradictions of Capitalism

Harvey identifies two key contradictions of capitalism that he believes are leading to its downfall. The first is the contradiction between the social nature of production and the private appropriation of profits. This contradiction manifests itself in the growing inequality between the rich and the poor, as well as the increasing concentration of wealth in the hands of a few corporations.

The second contradiction of capitalism is the contradiction between the need for constant growth and the finite resources of the planet. This contradiction is leading to environmental degradation, climate change, and other ecological crises.

The Crisis of Capitalism

Harvey argues that the current global economic crisis is the result of these two contradictions coming to a head. The crisis is characterized by a number of features, including:

• Slowing economic growth
• Rising unemployment
• Increasing inequality
• Financial instability
• Environmental degradation

Harvey argues that these features are not simply temporary setbacks, but rather symptoms of a deeper structural crisis of capitalism. He believes that the only way to resolve the crisis is to move beyond capitalism and create a more just and sustainable economic system.

The Future of Capitalism

Harvey does not believe that capitalism is doomed to collapse. He argues that it is possible to reform capitalism and make it more sustainable. However, he believes that this will require a fundamental change in the way that we think about and organize our economy.

Harvey proposes a number of reforms that he believes are necessary to save capitalism, including:

• Increasing government regulation of the economy
• Strengthening labor unions
• Promoting social welfare programs
• Investing in renewable energy and other sustainable technologies

Harvey believes that these reforms can help to mitigate the contradictions of capitalism and create a more just and sustainable economic system.

Conclusion

The Limits of Capital is a powerful and provocative book that offers a unique perspective on the current global economic crisis. Harvey's analysis is both insightful and persuasive, and he offers a number of concrete proposals for how to reform capitalism and make it more sustainable. This book is essential reading for anyone who wants to understand the current economic crisis and how to resolve it.

Why You Should Buy This Book

If you are interested in learning more about the current global economic crisis and how to resolve it, then I highly recommend that you buy this book. The Limits of Capital is a well-written and thought-provoking book that offers a unique perspective on the crisis. Harvey's analysis is both insightful and persuasive, and he offers a number of concrete proposals for how to reform capitalism and make it more sustainable. This book is essential reading for anyone who wants to understand the current economic crisis and how to resolve it.