Challenging the conventional wisdom surrounding economic growth, this book critiques the dominance of economists who shape public policy with complex formulas. It highlights the disconnect between economic indicators and citizens' lived experiences, revealing a growing backlash against technocratic elites. Despite ongoing growth, many feel increasingly pessimistic, prompting a demand for alternative measures of prosperity, such as wealth, equality, and wellbeing. Offering insightful critiques and fresh perspectives, it advocates for a society that prioritizes real human needs over relentless growth.
David Pilling Books
David Pilling offers a sharp critique of conventional economic discourse, using his extensive experience as a foreign correspondent to expose the disconnect between abstract theories and lived realities. He challenges readers to question assumptions about growth and GDP, drawing on a wealth of global anecdotes and interviews. Pilling aims to demystify economics, presenting complex ideas in an engaging narrative style that appeals beyond expert circles. His work illuminates the true purpose and function of economies, encouraging a more informed public understanding.






So You Want to Be in Real Estate
How to Make One Million Dollars in Two Years
- 256 pages
- 9 hours of reading
The book offers a comprehensive guide for aspiring real estate professionals, covering essential topics such as market analysis, investment strategies, and property management. It provides practical advice and insights from industry experts, helping readers understand the skills needed to succeed in the competitive real estate market. Through real-world examples and actionable tips, it aims to equip newcomers with the knowledge and confidence to navigate the complexities of the real estate business effectively.
Unlock the Giant Within
- 100 pages
- 4 hours of reading
The book emphasizes that individuals possess vast, untapped potential, often constrained by their own limitations. It suggests that rather than focusing solely on mental capacity, one's attitude and determination are crucial for achieving personal goals. Through practical guidance and motivational insights, it aims to inspire readers to harness their inner strength and unlock their full capabilities, promoting a transformative journey towards self-improvement and success.
The conflict that effectively laid the bloody foundations for the Hundred Years War and taught military and logistical lessons to both sides that would not be forgotten.
This latest study of the Welsh wars of Edward I will draw upon previously untranslated archive material, allowing a fresh insight into military and political events.
Bending Adversity
- 464 pages
- 17 hours of reading
A portrait of contemporary Japan that draws observations from a cross-section of its citizens while evaluating how its people and institutions have shown resilience through recent disasters, including the 2011 earthquake, tsunami, and nuclear meltdown.
SHORTLISTED FOR THE ORWELL PRIZE FOR POLITICAL WRITING 2019 'A near miracle' Ha-Joon Chang, author of 23 Things They Don't Tell You About Capitalism According to the economy, we have never been wealthier or happier. So why doesn't it feel that way? The Growth Delusion explores how we prioritise growth maximisation without stopping to think about the costs. So much of what is important to our well-being, from safe streets to sound minds, lies outside the purview of statistics. In a book that is both thought-provoking and entertaining, David Pilling argues that our steadfast loyalty to growth is informing misguided policies, and proposes different criteria for measuring our success.
A both definitive and highly enjoyable book on how modern Japan works, from Asia expert David PillingFINANCIAL TIMES BOOKS OF THE YEAR 2014'An affectionate, beautifully written and counter-intuitively optimistic take on the country, which stresses Japan's ability to reinvent itself' (Gideon Rachman, Financial Times)Despite years of stagnation, Japan remains one of the world's largest economies and a country which exerts a remarkable cultural fascination. David Pilling's new book is an entertaining, deeply knowledgeable and surprising analysis of a group of islands which have shown great resilience, both in the face of financial distress and when confronted with the overwhelming disaster of the 2011 earthquake and resulting tsunami.Bending Adversity is a superb work of reportage and the essential book even for those who already feel they know the country well.