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The Purpose of Capital: Elements of Impact, Financial Flows, and Natural Being
A unique exploration of how investors may act with deeper consideration of the meaning of money, The Purpose of Elements of Impact, Financial Flows and Personal Being, explores the historic roots of our understanding of capital, investing and wealth management, connecting how we think about finance with how we think about our lives, World and personal purpose.
Many books tell investors how to invest for maximum financial returns; others seek to tell investors how to invest for financial return with the generation of positive social and environmental impact. The Purpose of Capital takes the reader behind the "how" to explore the "Why" of investing.
The Purpose of Capital
- Our focus on investing as finance alone has taken us down the wrong path--and how those investors seeking to "do well and do good" have fallen prey to the notion financial return is the main driver for creating impact in the world.
- By focusing primarily upon returns for investors we fall short of our potential to invest capital for the benefit of a broader set of stakeholders--including not only the environment but our own potential to use our capital to realize greater personal development for our selves.
- The roots of our current inability to invest for total returns is an historic struggle, connecting us with centuries of reflection in a variety of cultures and traditions--the lessons from which may benefit investors today.
- The Purpose of Capital details how the true purpose of capital is not simply to make more capital, but rather to function as a fuel for individual freedom in the context of community and Earth.
Having produced seven books on the "how" of social entrepreneurship and impact investing, Emerson now turns his attention to placing investing within an historic and philosophical context, grounding investing within a more complete consideration of why we should invest in system change which, in the end, offers the potential for transforming ourselves as investors and as people.
Many books tell investors how to invest for maximum financial returns; others seek to tell investors how to invest for financial return with the generation of positive social and environmental impact. The Purpose of Capital takes the reader behind the "how" to explore the "Why" of investing.
The Purpose of Capital
- Our focus on investing as finance alone has taken us down the wrong path--and how those investors seeking to "do well and do good" have fallen prey to the notion financial return is the main driver for creating impact in the world.
- By focusing primarily upon returns for investors we fall short of our potential to invest capital for the benefit of a broader set of stakeholders--including not only the environment but our own potential to use our capital to realize greater personal development for our selves.
- The roots of our current inability to invest for total returns is an historic struggle, connecting us with centuries of reflection in a variety of cultures and traditions--the lessons from which may benefit investors today.
- The Purpose of Capital details how the true purpose of capital is not simply to make more capital, but rather to function as a fuel for individual freedom in the context of community and Earth.
Having produced seven books on the "how" of social entrepreneurship and impact investing, Emerson now turns his attention to placing investing within an historic and philosophical context, grounding investing within a more complete consideration of why we should invest in system change which, in the end, offers the potential for transforming ourselves as investors and as people.
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Published September 24, 2018
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
January 5, 2019
I'll start with one of the author's own reflections as it applies not only to this, but several other books I've read mostly from recommendations of the Whole Person Economy community: "At the beginning of my intentional quest of reading and modest reflection, I was naive enough to think I had something new or unique to share. Instead, I've found time and again that just as I thought I understood in some distinct way, someone else - a person or community of thought - had arrived well before me."
The author frequently brings his thinking back to the specific label "impact investing," which I think limits its applications. "Impact Investing" is a loaded term with a lot of pre-conceived notions, which don't get challenged in this book (nor do they need to). Viewing the author's insights and reflections through a broader lens (a "whole person economy" perhaps) would be better.
What really struck a chord with me is the chapter about the purpose of capital being to generate more freedom. That value in particular is what drove me to transformational finance and economics. Good start to my 2019 Reading Life.
The author frequently brings his thinking back to the specific label "impact investing," which I think limits its applications. "Impact Investing" is a loaded term with a lot of pre-conceived notions, which don't get challenged in this book (nor do they need to). Viewing the author's insights and reflections through a broader lens (a "whole person economy" perhaps) would be better.
What really struck a chord with me is the chapter about the purpose of capital being to generate more freedom. That value in particular is what drove me to transformational finance and economics. Good start to my 2019 Reading Life.
May 20, 2021
"Our traditional understanding of the purpose of capital is ts to use it as a tool by which we hope to increase and grow its amount in our portfolio."
The Purpose of Capital: Elements of Impact, Financial Flows, and Natural Being is a book that offers a new perspective on the purpose of capitalism and a few things related to it. Written by Jed Emerson, a Senior Fellow in several financial services groups and an author of several books with an impressive track record in the financial field, he will discuss the topics deeply. This book consisted of three main parts and each part features a few chapters.
For me honestly, this book is an impressive read because it is not an ordinary financial or economy-related topic that works. Using a reflectional approach, Jed Emerson combines his own experiences on money and finances with his deep thoughts and economic pieces of knowledge. The author also blended it with philosophical and historical spectrum with the opinions or quotes from world-famous figures like Albert Einstein, Alexis de Tocqueville, Will Durant, Baruch Spinoza, and many others. He also narrates it from the anthropological, humanities, and environmental prism.
An interesting part that I found is something that Jed called Blended Value which is the main focus in this wonderful book. He describes it as a future ability to think in a holistic perspective, to work in collaborative nature and make compelling decisions regarding our relationship with the Earth, to manage organizations and capital with an eye toward the creation of the economic, social, and environmental value. Second, many unusual but interesting terms that the author had mentioned such as Other Impact which consisted of Mutual, Deep, and Broad Impact, Deep Economy, Social Return on Investment(SROI), Cheap Impact, and Impact Investing.
From this book, I learned that as a human, we must get connected with our true Self. Learned how to listen to our own intuition and take some time to reflects on what purpose of our actions and their impact on ourselves, our family, and society. I realized that in today's modern era, we seldom do it because of several reasons such as hectic life, busy schedule, lots of commitment, or no initiatives at all. However, it depends on ourselves whether we want to make it or vice versa.
Finally, besides the unique and reflectional approach, this book also features some illustrations and exquisite images that appealing to me makes it more enjoyable to read. Moreover, the tone is a little bit poetic with beautiful sentences to express the author's thoughts, it is a perfect blend of economy, financial, philosophy, spirituality, anthropology, and personal journey work. it also manifests the beautiful nature of words. Because of it, I am not hesitant to give it 5-star. Thanks to the author for this wonderful book.
The Purpose of Capital: Elements of Impact, Financial Flows, and Natural Being is a book that offers a new perspective on the purpose of capitalism and a few things related to it. Written by Jed Emerson, a Senior Fellow in several financial services groups and an author of several books with an impressive track record in the financial field, he will discuss the topics deeply. This book consisted of three main parts and each part features a few chapters.
For me honestly, this book is an impressive read because it is not an ordinary financial or economy-related topic that works. Using a reflectional approach, Jed Emerson combines his own experiences on money and finances with his deep thoughts and economic pieces of knowledge. The author also blended it with philosophical and historical spectrum with the opinions or quotes from world-famous figures like Albert Einstein, Alexis de Tocqueville, Will Durant, Baruch Spinoza, and many others. He also narrates it from the anthropological, humanities, and environmental prism.
An interesting part that I found is something that Jed called Blended Value which is the main focus in this wonderful book. He describes it as a future ability to think in a holistic perspective, to work in collaborative nature and make compelling decisions regarding our relationship with the Earth, to manage organizations and capital with an eye toward the creation of the economic, social, and environmental value. Second, many unusual but interesting terms that the author had mentioned such as Other Impact which consisted of Mutual, Deep, and Broad Impact, Deep Economy, Social Return on Investment(SROI), Cheap Impact, and Impact Investing.
From this book, I learned that as a human, we must get connected with our true Self. Learned how to listen to our own intuition and take some time to reflects on what purpose of our actions and their impact on ourselves, our family, and society. I realized that in today's modern era, we seldom do it because of several reasons such as hectic life, busy schedule, lots of commitment, or no initiatives at all. However, it depends on ourselves whether we want to make it or vice versa.
Finally, besides the unique and reflectional approach, this book also features some illustrations and exquisite images that appealing to me makes it more enjoyable to read. Moreover, the tone is a little bit poetic with beautiful sentences to express the author's thoughts, it is a perfect blend of economy, financial, philosophy, spirituality, anthropology, and personal journey work. it also manifests the beautiful nature of words. Because of it, I am not hesitant to give it 5-star. Thanks to the author for this wonderful book.
October 6, 2020
The purpose of capital is an easy book that highlights and breakdowns the financial world to the simplest of terms. The author Jed Emerson, pauses and asks a solid question from the first chapter on how, we want so many things that may change our lives or other people’s lives yet hardly pause and take the time to ask ourselves what the systems around the financial capitalism entail and how exactly the capital determines how best one can get what they are seeking.
What I liked about this book is that it talks about making a change from either a personal or entrepreneurial position and gives the fundamental guidelines on how to.
How the author talks about what makes innovators who make an impact different from other entrepreneurs being basically their ability to measure the reality they are in, are aware of the present deals, funds and investment tools and maximize on them.
The book is well researched with quotes from other authors, historians and other researchers and the author builds up case on importance of capital and why we all should care to know and be interested in capital. Whether is it capital and how it affects religion, whether it is capital and how it determines what changes one gets to make or an organization makes, everything is well elucidated and I like that it uses simple examples that even a non American native can actually understand, and if I can as a non-native then this will be more than a beneficial financial boost to someone trying to understand capital who lives in the United States of America.
I have also learnt that people not understanding what capital is will always lead to a society where everything is up for sale but majorly benefiting certain groups in the community which later increases the gap on income inequality.
The book also explores the different evolutions and how each led to an economic revolution and with everything that is going on with the Covid-19 pandemic, this would be a great start to comprehend how the other revolutions led to an adjustment of how capital worked or should work.
I would recommend the book to anyone who would like to go on a serious financial capital comprehension and wants to understand what ownership is and how to create an impact with the knowledge they get from this book.
What I liked about this book is that it talks about making a change from either a personal or entrepreneurial position and gives the fundamental guidelines on how to.
How the author talks about what makes innovators who make an impact different from other entrepreneurs being basically their ability to measure the reality they are in, are aware of the present deals, funds and investment tools and maximize on them.
The book is well researched with quotes from other authors, historians and other researchers and the author builds up case on importance of capital and why we all should care to know and be interested in capital. Whether is it capital and how it affects religion, whether it is capital and how it determines what changes one gets to make or an organization makes, everything is well elucidated and I like that it uses simple examples that even a non American native can actually understand, and if I can as a non-native then this will be more than a beneficial financial boost to someone trying to understand capital who lives in the United States of America.
I have also learnt that people not understanding what capital is will always lead to a society where everything is up for sale but majorly benefiting certain groups in the community which later increases the gap on income inequality.
The book also explores the different evolutions and how each led to an economic revolution and with everything that is going on with the Covid-19 pandemic, this would be a great start to comprehend how the other revolutions led to an adjustment of how capital worked or should work.
I would recommend the book to anyone who would like to go on a serious financial capital comprehension and wants to understand what ownership is and how to create an impact with the knowledge they get from this book.
February 19, 2020
Morality, pragmatic wealth generation systems, wealth redistribution, higher universal living standard, and environmental protection, society has been trying hard to juggle these into a balanced, working, system of interaction between humankind and resources. Jed Emerson's approach to this problem is the one of treating the disease rather treating the symptoms (which is what we have mostly been doing). Jed says, "This book is an inquiry into the purpose of capital as explored against the development and current practices of modern, financial capitalism." This book compels us to look at capital, the foundation of our economy, the philosophy and school of thoughts of our economic systems, and more importantly the spatial organization of our society as it relates to resource consumption.
Jed respects history. He finds it vital to our progression. History shows us where we were, how we got here and can scientifically forecast where we are headed. This, I believe, is the reason why a lot of pages of the book are dedicated to mapping out the evolution of our philosophical economic thoughts. We have to understand how we got here (into this inappropriate global economy) before we can appropriately proceed into the future.
There are a lot of citations in the book. Though this is necessary when presenting a structural approach to off set the status quo of economics, it leaves the book feeling too broad and requiring lectures for an average reader. Also, there are a lot of unneeded reiterations which clustered the book.
Jed took humankind collectively as a whole in this book, seldom falling into national and continental classification. This is something beautiful to see as for the sake of this planet, and our survival, we must consider ourselves as one. The book also contains interesting fine art illustrations which is great to see.
This book is necessary to education and development. This is a must read for every educated person and anyone seeking education.
Jed respects history. He finds it vital to our progression. History shows us where we were, how we got here and can scientifically forecast where we are headed. This, I believe, is the reason why a lot of pages of the book are dedicated to mapping out the evolution of our philosophical economic thoughts. We have to understand how we got here (into this inappropriate global economy) before we can appropriately proceed into the future.
There are a lot of citations in the book. Though this is necessary when presenting a structural approach to off set the status quo of economics, it leaves the book feeling too broad and requiring lectures for an average reader. Also, there are a lot of unneeded reiterations which clustered the book.
Jed took humankind collectively as a whole in this book, seldom falling into national and continental classification. This is something beautiful to see as for the sake of this planet, and our survival, we must consider ourselves as one. The book also contains interesting fine art illustrations which is great to see.
This book is necessary to education and development. This is a must read for every educated person and anyone seeking education.
February 15, 2022
This is an insightful book. The author makes a good case for his thesis, especially by using his own professional experience as case studies and sources for insights.
The book does a great job showing how interconnected the world is, and how the right investment in the right place can make all the difference. The concept of “impact investing” is really great, and gives the reader clear ideas on how their investment can create value for everyone. It also makes a great case on how to invest in a way that protects the environment, and how this is a goal all people should aspire to.
The best part about the book is its message; that there are other people and it’s impossible to ignore this and keep thinking about yourself, especially when your actions, and in this case, influence in the form of capital, can have a huge impact on the world around you. It’s sometimes hard to remember this, especially in the world of capital and investments. The book does a very great job conveying and expounding on this message, both by citing other literature and the author applying their own experience. I Really recommend this book if you want Guidance on how to invest, or are just curious and would like a new perspective.
The book does a great job showing how interconnected the world is, and how the right investment in the right place can make all the difference. The concept of “impact investing” is really great, and gives the reader clear ideas on how their investment can create value for everyone. It also makes a great case on how to invest in a way that protects the environment, and how this is a goal all people should aspire to.
The best part about the book is its message; that there are other people and it’s impossible to ignore this and keep thinking about yourself, especially when your actions, and in this case, influence in the form of capital, can have a huge impact on the world around you. It’s sometimes hard to remember this, especially in the world of capital and investments. The book does a very great job conveying and expounding on this message, both by citing other literature and the author applying their own experience. I Really recommend this book if you want Guidance on how to invest, or are just curious and would like a new perspective.
May 9, 2020
One of the most amazing books I've read so far since I've started regular reading almost 4 years ago. Especially in current special circumstances related to the COVID19 pandemic and when the world is grappling with a planet-wide economic, health and social disaster, this book puts all the things in a new perspective. Humans have started exploiting the planet and its resources mercilessly over the last few centuries resulting in extremely huge damage to the biodiversity and general well-being of other human beings. Capitalist system promoted the use of land and its resources only to serve the capitalist gains of the investors while disregarding any negative impacts on the world at large. While the 1% enjoy a "king-like" life, billions live in misery and abject poverty with no-one to seek justice for them. There should be a world-wide resistance movement against the "parasitic capitalism" rampant in the current world in which capital is the GOD and all others should submit to this evil god.
Need to read this book again to refresh all the concepts and then to connect the dots with real-life events.
Need to read this book again to refresh all the concepts and then to connect the dots with real-life events.
October 29, 2020
The book is divided into three parts:
Part one discuss about how the things started. Mainly what were those reasons probls that we needed financial understanding of the things in first place.
Part two discuss about how we shaped the concepts of capital, finance, etc. It throws light concept like relationship between time and money. How time feels too slow when we want it to be fast and how fast it feels when we stand in the end of something we enjoy. The value of time may differ from pewson to another.
Parr three discuss about what we learner from oue past or experience and how we can utilise it to change our future in positive way. What could have happened but didn't becase of our lack of knowledg, can be our future.
The bookis simple to understand yervwoth deep meanings. The book is philosophical in nature.
Surely the book is not about best strategies or plans and all. It does not give us best financial ideas about investment and return.
The book is at least one time reading material bit the Part Two chapters will be my personal favourit. It simply feels like the author has took his time to write it to give us his of knowledge and experience.
Part one discuss about how the things started. Mainly what were those reasons probls that we needed financial understanding of the things in first place.
Part two discuss about how we shaped the concepts of capital, finance, etc. It throws light concept like relationship between time and money. How time feels too slow when we want it to be fast and how fast it feels when we stand in the end of something we enjoy. The value of time may differ from pewson to another.
Parr three discuss about what we learner from oue past or experience and how we can utilise it to change our future in positive way. What could have happened but didn't becase of our lack of knowledg, can be our future.
The bookis simple to understand yervwoth deep meanings. The book is philosophical in nature.
Surely the book is not about best strategies or plans and all. It does not give us best financial ideas about investment and return.
The book is at least one time reading material bit the Part Two chapters will be my personal favourit. It simply feels like the author has took his time to write it to give us his of knowledge and experience.
February 15, 2020
We always discuss Capital, Investment and Return, but we never heard the impact of investment in these discussions. "The Purpose of Capital" exactly pinpoint flaws in the ages-old practice of investment which is mainly focused on maximum return and ignore the impact of investment on the surrounding. Every thought is deeply refined that cannot come without reading, experience, detail study and deep thinking. Social responsibility, Philanthropy, Social Entrepreneurship are the good instruments for impact investors but many a times the investment lost its the purpose and becomes the tool to generate maximum profit. This book tries to show those flaws and shows the way how little change in the thinking and taking new ideas from the surroundings can create more powerful impact on the society, environment and our businesses. As a strategic advisor and experience in wealth management and social entrepreneur, Jed Emerson gives the good inside of philanthropy and nonprofit management and how to change the approach towards these instruments.
June 9, 2020
An entirely subjective rating, in that I was searching for more actionable learnings on the topic of impact investing and personally lacked the basic understanding of the subject that may have provided some helpful context for this highly philosophical exploration of impact investing. Despite perhaps not having found this work at the right time, I nonetheless appreciate that in posing more questions than it answers this read has challenged me to expand my mind and considerations. Of particular note were the reconsideration of what constitutes faith, the suggestion that we all have faith, an unquestioned belief in one thing or another (especially in understanding that we cannot be all knowing). To suggest faith is misguided is to suggest we are all misguided.
Otherwise I appreciate the discourse surrounding Milton Friedman's rather archaic and self centred economic theory, and the unpopular consideration of the immeasurable value of those immeasurable elements in capitalism and more broadly in life.
Otherwise I appreciate the discourse surrounding Milton Friedman's rather archaic and self centred economic theory, and the unpopular consideration of the immeasurable value of those immeasurable elements in capitalism and more broadly in life.
July 5, 2020
The Purpose of Capital: Elements of Impact, Financial Flows, and Natural Being by Jed Emerson really caused me to think about my own ideas of what progress, growth, and "doing well" mean and how they measure up against our current state of affairs in the world today. I believe that this is what is valuable about the book. The fact that it has the potential to cause not only individuals, but organizations to reevaluate commonly held definitions of what success in terms of economic and social returns look like in a world that is starving for deep impact investing across social, financial, and environmental concerns. The book states in the beginning chapters about how most books covering investing and the financial markets focus on the "how" at the expense of the "why" of investing which is probably why there exists so much inequity in the world on a financial as well as spiritual level. The Purpose of Capital does a fine job of getting us to rethink not only our investment strategies but our own place in the world and the universe at large. Please read!
October 23, 2025
This book explores the deeper meaning of money and investing, connecting financial flows to personal purpose and impact. It argues that focusing solely on financial returns limits our potential to create broader positive change, and instead advocates for investing in total returns, benefiting both people and the environment.
While I agree with almost everything mentioned in this, I believe the purpose of investing and financing is quite a subjective thing however, the author connects the history and the present beautifully, giving us a meeting ground.
I love the illustration and the quotes though the spiritual side of this book failed to resonate with me.
Overall, a good starting point for beginners and also those interested in economics and history of it.
Thanks to @booktasters as well as the author for the e-copy in exchange for an honest review.
While I agree with almost everything mentioned in this, I believe the purpose of investing and financing is quite a subjective thing however, the author connects the history and the present beautifully, giving us a meeting ground.
I love the illustration and the quotes though the spiritual side of this book failed to resonate with me.
Overall, a good starting point for beginners and also those interested in economics and history of it.
Thanks to @booktasters as well as the author for the e-copy in exchange for an honest review.
March 7, 2020
This isn’t just another book on economics or anything alike as the title indicates, but more on why we invest at all and why we should choose wisely in what we invest from a ethical and progressive standpoint in the interest of humanity. Jed talks about his personal experience in all the years he’s been in the field and what his observations were. While at the beginning of the book there are lots of fancy graphics, it slowly turns into a pure informational book. So you might wonder, if this book has anything to offer you? I can assure you that it has, no matter if you’re an investor or someone with an average salary. So without spoiling you, why not give it a try? It’s available for free as an ebook format. Hope you’re gonna have as much fun as me reading this book, cheers.
November 23, 2021
An interesting book.
Jed Emerson explored the purpose of capital and why we should care.
One quote I like on the idea behind capital is “money now defines our understanding of ourselves, our value relative to others, our happiness and personal satisfaction, our prospects within our society, and our future prospects of our children”. This quote implied that the notion of capital is itself a social construct.
The author garnished the book with indelible quotes, stories and parables, which lets the reader sit and ponder.
The book gave a lot of timeless insights and advice which I will inculcate in my lifestyle.
Even though the moral of the book was repetitive on impact investing, it is indeed a good read
Jed Emerson explored the purpose of capital and why we should care.
One quote I like on the idea behind capital is “money now defines our understanding of ourselves, our value relative to others, our happiness and personal satisfaction, our prospects within our society, and our future prospects of our children”. This quote implied that the notion of capital is itself a social construct.
The author garnished the book with indelible quotes, stories and parables, which lets the reader sit and ponder.
The book gave a lot of timeless insights and advice which I will inculcate in my lifestyle.
Even though the moral of the book was repetitive on impact investing, it is indeed a good read
February 26, 2020
Jed Emerson dives very deeply into the purpose of capital and its importance in today's capital-driven world.
Emerson uses theological, historical, and economics examples to help illustrate many of his points and lessons. I felt like I was going through a historical trip around the world and simultaneously learning about capital and finance. Many of the anecdotes used within the book are helpful towards understanding how humans have shaped their view towards capital today.
I would recommend this book to those with at least an elementary understanding of capital and finance. It was a well-written book with very much detail and thought put in.
Emerson uses theological, historical, and economics examples to help illustrate many of his points and lessons. I felt like I was going through a historical trip around the world and simultaneously learning about capital and finance. Many of the anecdotes used within the book are helpful towards understanding how humans have shaped their view towards capital today.
I would recommend this book to those with at least an elementary understanding of capital and finance. It was a well-written book with very much detail and thought put in.
December 19, 2020
This book both embodies the ideals of how man should view his world, and more importantly how to invest his capital with regards to the current happenings. It also teaches why we should wholeheartedly believe and understand the things we are doing and why we are doing it. It teaches the purpose of capital not just only about getting returns on investment but about the broader scope of finding solutions and meaning in something bigger than it. This book also teaches how we can trust our gut to deliver great results. Indeed, it's a good read. I recommend this to anyone who's willing to explore oneself and understand the logic behind good investment.
March 7, 2022
The Purpose of Capital brings about a new and innovative angle to our views of financial investment. The author l has tried to connect historical to present the understanding of wealth management bringing to light the impact on society and environmental which we wouldn't usually even think about when thinking of investing. The author also tries to bring philosophical context to show that how becoming more cautious about how we are investing, it not only helps our impact on society and environment but also brings better returns for us and also development of our selves.
Overall the book is quite an unique mix of finance, history and philosophy.
Overall the book is quite an unique mix of finance, history and philosophy.
January 15, 2020
An extremely important and timely book in the Impact Investing and Financial world. I appreciated the author's diligent historical approach and references to past thought leaders to help us understand how we got to where we are now in the financial world, especially in regards to Impact Investing. As a current MBA student I am fortunate to have found this book at the time I did. I strongly recommend this book to anyone who wants to have a thoughtful understanding of capital, especially their own.
August 25, 2022
As I studied Accountancy and Fiscal law, I was keen to read this book.
The first thing I noticed was the beautiful lay out of the book and the
clear division in chapters.
It was interesting to read and the Purpose of Capital offered new view
to think about. Anyway I enjoyed reading this book.
I would recommend this book to all who like to read about economical
growth and social investing.
For asking the question why and the interesting views, I would like to
give this book a 5 star rating.
The first thing I noticed was the beautiful lay out of the book and the
clear division in chapters.
It was interesting to read and the Purpose of Capital offered new view
to think about. Anyway I enjoyed reading this book.
I would recommend this book to all who like to read about economical
growth and social investing.
For asking the question why and the interesting views, I would like to
give this book a 5 star rating.
March 22, 2020
I enjoyed reading the book.The book talks about the sustainable impact of capital and the importance of creating value in terms of social change that has generates greater value to not only the investor but everyone around. The author has explained the use of money in the economy from different level of human life which has effect in not only the economy but society and environment and in spirituality as well.
February 12, 2019
This book reads as a pretentious and overly complicated explanation of the value of capital, and while I agree with the underlying premise, the author's style of writing is unnecessarily complex and grand in style.
Wouldn't suggest this book. I stopped reading it before I finished.
Wouldn't suggest this book. I stopped reading it before I finished.
March 31, 2020
The Purpose of Capital: Elements of Impact, Financial Flows, and Natural Being, is not your average Economics book. It brings out a deep and underlying concept of the real matters concerning capital and Finacial impacts in business and economy.
September 24, 2019
Really changed my thinking but got long and boring.
October 16, 2020
It's a great book so far despite am still on it.
November 21, 2020
If you want to invest and know more about capital not money, don't overlook this book. Jef is your guy and bhe will take to the journey of having a deeper understanding what is capital. ENJOY
September 27, 2018
Jed Emerson's newest book, The Purpose of Capital: Elements of Impact, Financial Flows and Natural Being, is a timely and in-depth look at the underpinnings of our relationship to capital and its purpose in forwarding humanity in a living, thriving world.
This is not easy territory for a writer to explore, but Emerson presents his thesis with compelling prose and helps readers bridge complex concepts with warm personal anecdotes and insightful quotes from writers, philosophers and religious leaders.
The book is Emerson’s eighth on the topic of impact investing and social entrepreneurship, but it is the first that challenges investors to step back from a relentless focus on impact investing strategy and tactics, and to deeply consider why investors need to shift their perception and relationship to capital in order to maximize the social and environmental impact of their investments.
In addition to its central themes, the book contains a rich addendum to help readers further explore the topic. The associated website, at purposeofcapitaldotcom, also contains resources to continue the dialogue.
The book explores two central questions: “How did we come to separate our understanding of economic/financial value from social/environmental value?” And, “How did we come to think of ourselves as being separate from our neighbors, community and planet?”
The answers to these questions, says Emerson, anchor our individual definition of the purpose of capital and inform a deeper, more significant understanding of capital for our community—an understanding that embraces a holistic social, physical and spiritual purpose of capital.
The publication of this wise and important book could not be timelier. Climate change, social inequality and other systemic risks present humanity with profound challenges, and financial capital will of necessity play a critical role in finding solutions. But without a deeper understanding of the purpose of capital, it’s business as usual, and that’s not what is needed to move impact investing—and humanity—forward.
Merged review:
Jed Emerson's newest book, The Purpose of Capital: Elements of Impact, Financial Flows and Natural Being, is a timely and in-depth look at the underpinnings of our relationship to capital and its purpose in forwarding humanity in a living, thriving world.
This is not easy territory for a writer to explore, but Emerson presents his thesis with compelling prose and helps readers bridge complex concepts with warm personal anecdotes and insightful quotes from writers, philosophers and religious leaders.
The book is Emerson’s eighth on the topic of impact investing and social entrepreneurship, but it is the first that challenges investors to step back from a relentless focus on impact investing strategy and tactics, and to deeply consider why investors need to shift their perception and relationship to capital in order to maximize the social and environmental impact of their investments.
In addition to its central themes, the book contains a rich addendum to help readers further explore the topic. The associated website, at purposeofcapitaldotcom, also contains resources to continue the dialogue.
The book explores two central questions: “How did we come to separate our understanding of economic/financial value from social/environmental value?” And, “How did we come to think of ourselves as being separate from our neighbors, community and planet?”
The answers to these questions, says Emerson, anchor our individual definition of the purpose of capital and inform a deeper, more significant understanding of capital for our community—an understanding that embraces a holistic social, physical and spiritual purpose of capital.
The publication of this wise and important book could not be timelier. Climate change, social inequality and other systemic risks present humanity with profound challenges, and financial capital will of necessity play a critical role in finding solutions. But without a deeper understanding of the purpose of capital, it’s business as usual, and that’s not what is needed to move impact investing—and humanity—forward.
This is not easy territory for a writer to explore, but Emerson presents his thesis with compelling prose and helps readers bridge complex concepts with warm personal anecdotes and insightful quotes from writers, philosophers and religious leaders.
The book is Emerson’s eighth on the topic of impact investing and social entrepreneurship, but it is the first that challenges investors to step back from a relentless focus on impact investing strategy and tactics, and to deeply consider why investors need to shift their perception and relationship to capital in order to maximize the social and environmental impact of their investments.
In addition to its central themes, the book contains a rich addendum to help readers further explore the topic. The associated website, at purposeofcapitaldotcom, also contains resources to continue the dialogue.
The book explores two central questions: “How did we come to separate our understanding of economic/financial value from social/environmental value?” And, “How did we come to think of ourselves as being separate from our neighbors, community and planet?”
The answers to these questions, says Emerson, anchor our individual definition of the purpose of capital and inform a deeper, more significant understanding of capital for our community—an understanding that embraces a holistic social, physical and spiritual purpose of capital.
The publication of this wise and important book could not be timelier. Climate change, social inequality and other systemic risks present humanity with profound challenges, and financial capital will of necessity play a critical role in finding solutions. But without a deeper understanding of the purpose of capital, it’s business as usual, and that’s not what is needed to move impact investing—and humanity—forward.
Merged review:
Jed Emerson's newest book, The Purpose of Capital: Elements of Impact, Financial Flows and Natural Being, is a timely and in-depth look at the underpinnings of our relationship to capital and its purpose in forwarding humanity in a living, thriving world.
This is not easy territory for a writer to explore, but Emerson presents his thesis with compelling prose and helps readers bridge complex concepts with warm personal anecdotes and insightful quotes from writers, philosophers and religious leaders.
The book is Emerson’s eighth on the topic of impact investing and social entrepreneurship, but it is the first that challenges investors to step back from a relentless focus on impact investing strategy and tactics, and to deeply consider why investors need to shift their perception and relationship to capital in order to maximize the social and environmental impact of their investments.
In addition to its central themes, the book contains a rich addendum to help readers further explore the topic. The associated website, at purposeofcapitaldotcom, also contains resources to continue the dialogue.
The book explores two central questions: “How did we come to separate our understanding of economic/financial value from social/environmental value?” And, “How did we come to think of ourselves as being separate from our neighbors, community and planet?”
The answers to these questions, says Emerson, anchor our individual definition of the purpose of capital and inform a deeper, more significant understanding of capital for our community—an understanding that embraces a holistic social, physical and spiritual purpose of capital.
The publication of this wise and important book could not be timelier. Climate change, social inequality and other systemic risks present humanity with profound challenges, and financial capital will of necessity play a critical role in finding solutions. But without a deeper understanding of the purpose of capital, it’s business as usual, and that’s not what is needed to move impact investing—and humanity—forward.
September 23, 2018
Refreshingly thoughtful and reflective, in this book Jed blends his lifelong fascination with how money can be used for good with a deep inquiry into the overall purpose of life. You’ll soon delight in the roadmap he unfurls slowly in this book - and the treasures he uncovers along the way – myth, mystery, meaning, religion, philosophy, spirituality, and ultimately, humility. You’ll want to read this not as a just as way to understand the core assumptions inside impact investing, but as a guidebook for a more personal exploration of how using capital for impact can ultimately shape not just the society we live in, but the meaning of your life.
January 4, 2019
I liked this book and have made note of many of his references to other writers. However, like many books on this topic, the vast majority of thinkers it references are men, and I wish a greater effort had been made to include the work of great women.
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