In 'The Rise and Fall of American Growth', economist Robert J. Gordon explores the transformative economic changes in the United States from the Civil War to the present day. He argues that the unprecedented growth in productivity and living standards during the early 20th century was a unique historical event that has now waned. As technological advances slow and inequality rises, Gordon challenges the optimistic narrative of perpetual progress. With a keen examination of historical data and cultural shifts, he raises questions about America’s future economic trajectory. This thought-provoking analysis invites readers to reconsider the sustainability of growth in an increasingly complex world.
By Robert J. Gordon
Published: 2016
"The past, with all its wonders and hardships, offers us a lens through which to understand the dizzying pace of change and the fundamental shifts that have defined the American experience."
How America's high standard of living came to be and why future growth is under threat In the century after the Civil War, an economic revolution improved the American standard of living in ways previously unimaginable. Electric lighting, indoor plumbing, motor vehicles, air travel, and television transformed households and workplaces. But has that era of unprecedented growth come to an end? Weaving together a vivid narrative, historical anecdotes, and economic analysis, The Rise and Fall of American Growth challenges the view that economic growth will continue unabated, and demonstrates that the life-altering scale of innovations between 1870 and 1970 cannot be repeated. Gordon contends that the nation's productivity growth will be further held back by the headwinds of rising inequality, stagnating education, an aging population, and the rising debt of college students and the federal government, and that we must find new solutions. A critical voice in the most pressing debates of our time, The Rise and Fall of American Growth is at once a tribute to a century of radical change and a harbinger of tougher times to come.
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“The past, with all its wonders and hardships, offers us a lens through which to understand the dizzying pace of change and the fundamental shifts that have defined the American experience.”
The Rise and Fall of American Growth
By Robert J. Gordon
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Robert J. Gordon is an acclaimed author and academic best known for his insightful analysis of economic history and innovation. His notable works include 'The Rise and Fall of American Growth,' which received widespread praise for its thorough exploration of the economic transformations in America over the past century. Gordon's writing is characterized by meticulous research and a clear, engaging style that appeals to both scholars and general readers. He has contributed significantly to discussions on productivity, innovation, and economic policy, making him a prominent voice in contemporary economic discourse.
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