What Are the Origins of Wealth and Inequality? Oded Galor
Oded Galor, the founder of Unified Growth Theory, gives a landmark account of our journey from the dawn of human existence to the present and offers vital lessons for our future.
In the last 200 years, stunning advances in health, wealth and lifespan have fundamentally transformed the experience of being human, at least for some. But what are the keys to human progress and our species’ survival?
Galor’s The Journey of Humanity upends many assumptions. The game-changing revolution of recent centuries was not industrialisation but mass education; not the era of child labour but the end of it. New technology can enhance living standards – but it has done so only by reducing family size and spurring greater gender equality. Meanwhile, differing levels of diversity, stemming from patterns of human migration tens of thousands of years ago, have been as powerful in determining the fate of nations as colonialism or geography. How did Europe soar ahead of previously more advanced civilisations such as China and the Ottoman Empire? Why have workers’ revolutions succeeded in agricultural but not industrialised nations? Why are Bolivia’s challenges the opposite of Ethiopia’s? Is continued growth compatible with tackling the climate crisis?
Drawing on a lifetime’s investigation, Galor makes astounding connections across economics, geography, archaeology, genetics, demography and linguistics to answer these questions and more and offers a hopeful vision of our future.
In conversation with Andrew Kelly, Director of Bristol Ideas.
Read about Unified Growth Theory here.
Oded Galor’s The Journey of Humanity: The Origins of Wealth and Inequality is published by Vintage. Buy a copy online or at the event in Waterstones.
The Enlightened Economist Book Reviews
Bristol Festival of Economics director Diane Coyle reviews Oded Galor’s The Journey of Humanity: The Origins of Wealth and Inequality.
Oded Galor is Herbert H Goldberger Professor of Economics at Brown University and the founding thinker behind Unified Growth Theory, which seeks uncover the fundamental causes of development, prosperity and inequality over the entire span of human history. He has shared the insights of his lifetime’s work in this field at some of the most prestigious lectures around the globe and has now distilled those discoveries into The Journey of Humanity, which is being published in 28 languages worldwide. Follow him on Twitter @GalorOded
Image credit: Peter Goldberg
Related Content
How can we change capitalism? Watch our 2021 event with Mariana Mazzucato.
Booking Information
Waterstones and Bristol Ideas want to ensure a safe and enjoyable visit for all. The event capacity has returned to normal and seating will not be socially distance. In the interest of audience and staff safety we are grateful if you would continue to wear a mask if possible and make space when moving around the venue. Please stay home if you’re experiencing any symptoms of COVID-19 (these are listed on the NHS website) or if you’ve recently been in contact with someone who has the virus.
Ticket booking is via Eventbrite. Please note that Eventbrite is a third-party service that is not owned or managed by Bristol Ideas. Please review Eventbrite’s terms and conditions and Privacy Policy as we do not accept any responsibility or liability for the policies. You can read Bristol Ideas’ Privacy policy here.
CONCESSIONS apply to Full Time Students, Job Seekers Allowance, Incapacity Benefit claimants, over 60s and disabled people. PARTNER RATE is for staff, students or members at the following organisations: Arts Council England, Bristol City Council, Business West, University of Bristol and UWE. Please note that you will be asked of proof for your eligibility of a concession or partner rate ticket. No refunds/exchanges are possible for tickets already purchased at the higher price.
One free carer ticket can be provided for each paying disabled visitor, please contact us before booking to arrange.
We only refund tickets if the event is cancelled. Events start punctually and, out of consideration to other audience members and speakers, our policy is not to admit or issue refunds to latecomers. Full Terms and Conditions here.
Accessibility: Waterstones
One free carer ticket can be provided for each paying disabled visitor, please contact us before booking to arrange. More information about Waterstones Bristol – Galleries can be found on the Waterstones website and on AccessAble.
• There are Blue Badge parking spaces on Union Street.
• There is level access to the event space.
• Events are amplified but there is no loop system.
• There are toilets for public use.
• Guide and assistance dogs are welcome.