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The Mystery Of Capital

Understanding Capitalism's Global Disparities and Solutions

Hernando De Soto author

Format:Paperback

Publisher:Transworld Publishers Ltd

Published:1st Nov '01

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The Mystery Of Capital cover

This insightful book explores the reasons behind capitalism's success in the West and its failures elsewhere, offering transformative solutions for economic development.

In The Mystery of Capital, Hernando de Soto delves into the perplexing question of why capitalism flourishes in the West while struggling to take root in many other parts of the world. Through a clear and engaging narrative, he challenges conventional notions of capital and provides insights into the systemic barriers that hinder economic progress in developing nations. De Soto argues that the lack of formal property rights and legal recognition of assets prevents individuals from fully participating in the market economy, thereby stifling innovation and growth.

The author presents a compelling case for the importance of property rights, emphasizing that they are not merely a legal construct but a fundamental component of economic development. By illustrating how the absence of these rights affects the lives of billions, The Mystery of Capital sheds light on the broader implications of capitalism's failures. De Soto's analysis is not only thought-provoking but also offers practical solutions to empower individuals and communities worldwide.

Ultimately, this book serves as a vital contribution to the discourse on global economics, urging policymakers and thinkers to reconsider their approach to development. With its radical proposals and insightful observations, The Mystery of Capital positions itself as a significant work that has the potential to reshape our understanding of capital and its role in fostering economic prosperity for all.

'A hugely persuasive and important book, the more so because of the moving simplicity of its central idea' * Daily Telegraph *
'A crucial contribution. A new proposal for change that is valid for the whole world' -- Javier Perez de Cuellar, Ex Sect.General of the UN
'A very great book...powerful and completely convincing' -- Ronald Coase, Nobel Laureate in Economics
'One of the few new and genuinely promising approaches to overcoming poverty to come in a long time' -- Francis Fukuyama, author of The End of History
'A revolutionary book...if the criterion is a capacity not only to change permanently the way we look at the world, but also to change the world itself, then there are good grounds for thinking that this book is surely a contender...thrillingly subvesive' -- Donald McIntyre * Independent *

ISBN: 9780552999236

Dimensions: 197mm x 127mm x 18mm

Weight: 200g

288 pages