In 'Money Changes Everything', William N. Goetzmann explores the profound impact that money has had on human society throughout history. From fostering trade to igniting wars, the book delves into the dual nature of currency – as a tool for both good and ill. Goetzmann's insightful analysis reveals how financial systems have shaped cultural and political landscapes. The narrative is rich with historical anecdotes that highlight money's influence on innovation and civilization. Prepare to question your understanding of wealth and its transformative power in a world that is always changing.
By William N. Goetzmann
Published: 2017
"Money is not just a medium of exchange; it is a reflection of our values and aspirations, shaping the very foundation of society."
"[A] magnificent history of money and finance."—New York Times Book Review "Convincingly makes the case that finance is a change-maker of change-makers."—Financial Times In the aftermath of recent financial crises, it's easy to see finance as a wrecking ball: something that destroys fortunes and jobs, and undermines governments and banks. In Money Changes Everything, leading financial historian William Goetzmann argues the exact opposite—that the development of finance has made the growth of civilizations possible. Goetzmann explains that finance is a time machine, a technology that allows us to move value forward and backward through time; and that this innovation has changed the very way we think about and plan for the future. He shows how finance was present at key moments in history: driving the invention of writing in ancient Mesopotamia, spurring the classical civilizations of Greece and Rome to become great empires, determining the rise and fall of dynasties in imperial China, and underwriting the trade expeditions that led Europeans to the New World. He also demonstrates how the apparatus we associate with a modern economy—stock markets, lines of credit, complex financial products, and international trade—were repeatedly developed, forgotten, and reinvented over the course of human history. Exploring the critical role of finance over the millennia, and around the world, Goetzmann details how wondrous financial technologies and institutions—money, bonds, banks, corporations, and more—have helped urban centers to expand and cultures to flourish. And it's not done reshaping our lives, as Goetzmann considers the challenges we face in the future, such as how to use the power of finance to care for an aging and expanding population. Money Changes Everything presents a fascinating look into the way that finance has steered the course of history.
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“Money is not just a medium of exchange; it is a reflection of our values and aspirations, shaping the very foundation of society.”
Money Changes Everything
By William N. Goetzmann
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William N. Goetzmann is a distinguished American author, historian, and scholar known for his profound contributions to the fields of American history and finance. He is the author of several notable works, including 'Exploration and Empire: The Explorer and the American Renaissance,' which examines the interplay between exploration and the burgeoning American identity. Goetzmann's writing is characterized by its meticulous research, engaging narrative style, and insightful analysis of economic and cultural histories. His ability to weave together complex themes and present them in a compelling manner has made his books essential reading for students and enthusiasts of American history.
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