Money - The True Story of a Made-Up Thing

by Yuval Noah Harari

Takes the reader on a journey from the very first coins through to 21st century economics in his book and explores the questions of how money came to be invented, its significance in our lives, its impact on happiness and unhappiness and its future.

economics
history
non-fiction

"Money is not wealth. Money is a tool to transfer wealth."
- Yuval Noah Harari, Money

My Review:

An enlightening and thought-provoking book that delves into the history and evolution of money, and its impact on human society. The author provides a comprehensive examination of the origins of money, its role in human civilization, and the ways in which it shapes our thoughts and actions.

Some of the lessons I learned from this book are:

  • Money is a human invention: Harari explains that money is not a naturally occurring phenomenon, but rather a human invention that has been created and shaped by society over time. This realization helps readers understand that money is not a static entity but rather a fluid and constantly changing concept.
  • Money is a tool for transfer of wealth: Harari emphasizes that money is not wealth itself, but a tool that facilitates the transfer of wealth from one person or group to another. This lesson reminds us that money is not an end in itself, but a means to an end, and that true wealth comes from the things that money can buy such as health, happiness, and security.
  • The role of trust in money: The author explains that money is essentially a system of trust, and that the value of money is based on the trust that people have in it. Harari highlights the importance of trust in maintaining the stability and value of money.
  • The impact of money on human behavior: Harari argues that money has a profound impact on human behavior, shaping our thoughts, actions, and even our sense of self. The book highlights the ways in which money can shape our priorities and values, and the dangers of becoming too focused on money.
  • The history of money: Harari provides a detailed account of the history of money, tracing its evolution from ancient times to the present day. The book provides insight into the different forms of money that have been used throughout history and the ways in which they have shaped human civilization.
  • The role of money in politics: Harari explains that money has always played a significant role in politics, and that it is a powerful tool that can be used to influence political decisions and shape the course of history.
  • The impact of money on the environment: Harari argues that money has played a key role in the degradation of the natural environment, and that our current economic system is unsustainable in the long term.
  • The future of money: Harari predicts that the concept of money is likely to change in the future, as technology and globalization continue to shape human civilization.
  • The impact of money on social inequality: Harari explains that money is a major driver of social inequality, and that the rich and powerful have always used money to maintain their position of dominance.
  • The importance of perspective: Harari's book encourages readers to take a step back and reflect on the role of money in their lives, and to consider the broader implications of our economic system. The book encourages readers to think beyond money and to focus on the things that truly matter in life.

Overall, "Money: The True Story of a Made-Up Thing" is a thought-provoking and enlightening book that provides a unique perspective on the history and evolution of money, and its impact on human society. The author's writing style is engaging and easy to understand, and the book is filled with valuable insights and lessons that will be of interest to anyone who wants to understand the true nature of money.