An Embarrassment of Riches: Tapping Into the World's Greatest Legacy of Wealth

by Alexander Green

Tune into the news and you’ll hear stories of war, disease, natural disasters, corruption, violence, poverty, crime, nuclear proliferation, terrorism and political dysfunction in Washington.  Polls show many believe the American dream is fading, our children face limited opportunities, and the country is decidedly on the wrong track.  Yet this dour perspective – one recycled 24/7 by the national media – is a gross distortion of the world we live in today.  As national investment expert and bestselling author Alexander Green reveals in this engrossing and provocative new book, the human race has never had it so good.  In the West today, we work shorter hours, have more purchasing power, enjoy goods and services in almost limitless supply, and have more leisure time than ever before.  Living standards are the highest they have ever been. The human life span has nearly doubled over the past hundred years.  Literacy and education levels – even I.Q.’s – are at all-time highs. Technology and medicine are revolutionizing our lives. All forms of pollution – with the exception of greenhouse gases – are in decline.  Access to the arts has never been greater.  Crime is in a long-term cycle of decline.  And the risk of death by violence has never been smaller for most of humanity. By almost every measure, our lives today are wealthy beyond measure.  We are all heir to an embarrassment of riches .  Yet – thanks in large part the drumbeat of negative media coverage – most of us don’t realize it.  Green compares the average citizen to “a lottery winner whose ticket is lost in some upstairs drawer.” The consequences of adopting the cynical but popular worldview are many, including needless pessimism, missed investment opportunities, and – surprisingly – even poorer health. Yet An Embarrassment of Riches provides a powerful antidote.  Green begins with a robust survey of the many ways our lives are becoming longer, easier, safer, healthier and more prosperous.  He then embarks on a wide-ranging exploration of the ideas and the many men and women – both living and dead – that are still enriching our lives today. Among the many subjects explored are American exceptionalism, the extraordinary power of economic freedom, the lifesaving role of medicine and technology, the life-extending benefits of optimism, the radical theology of Thomas Jefferson, the keys to civility and greatness, the wisdom of Confucius and Aristotle, the ability of beauty to enrich our lives, and even one artist’s thought-provoking take on “how to defeat death.” In An Embarrassment of Riches , New York Times bestselling author Alexander Green offers a holistic approach to wealth – and offers a welcome perspective that allows us to live fuller, richer lives. 

Genres: Nonfiction, Economics

256 pages, Hardcover

First published June 24, 2013

Reviews

[Brenda]

I actually thought I was listening to a different "Embarrassment of Riches" (forgot to note the subtitle when I heard the book mentioned on a podcast), but this had some interesting essays. Would have given three stars if he hadn't criticized religion and promoted evolution.

[Ron]

A nice easy read and yet many of the essays force you to evaluate many of your life perceptions.

[Jeff]

If you don't know what to read then read this book! By the time you finish you'll have at least two dozen more books on your 'want to read' list. The book is made up of short chapters and each chapter are independent of the others. Very thought provoking and in addition to inspiring further reading, the writing creates a want in the reader to make changes in their own life.

[Ma D.]

5 stars exactly for the criticism of religion and promotion of self evolution.

[Linda]

An easy read and actually very uplifting compared to most of the economic books I've read. Each chapter is short - 2 to 4 pages which makes it easy to read, put down and come back to later. Helped me feel thankful for what I have and not so angry for the condition of mankind. If you need an short story for a lecture or blog, this has lots of material.

[Dzung Vuong]

Good essays on how to live meaningful and fulfilling life.