The Road to Freedom

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From a leading economist comes a compelling vision of personal and economic freedom. The nation was founded on the belief in individual liberty, yet since the mid-20th century, this idea has been distorted. Political forces on the Right have masked exploitation with rhetoric about freedom, resulting in pharmaceutical companies overcharging, unregulated Big Tech, and corporations polluting without consequence. This raises critical questions about whose freedom is prioritized and should be prioritized. In this work, Nobel laureate Joseph E. Stiglitz examines America's economic system and the political ideologies that shaped it, revealing their failures. Unfettered markets have led to crises like the financial collapse, the opioid epidemic, and growing inequality, benefiting a small elite while wages stagnate for the majority. Such exploitation has fueled populist movements that equate freedom with the abandonment of civic responsibility, posing a threat to genuine economic and political liberty. Drawing on his extensive experience as an advisor and chief economist, Stiglitz critiques the neoliberal agenda and challenges the ideas of influential economists. He advocates for a reevaluation of freedom that accounts for conflicts between individuals and emphasizes collective action through regulation and investment. The urgency of this task is paramount, making this work essential for anyone dedicated to fostering an economic and