The twentieth century’s sharp upward curve of economic and technological progress saw an explosion of wealth and possibility that has never before been seen in human history.
But, despite affording billions greater material wealth, health and freedom, the age of plenty has not delivered the utopia it initially seemed to promise.
Brad DeLong, one of the world’s leading economists, argues that instead of ushering in an era of prosperity, wellbeing and unlocked human potential, the gains of what he terms the ‘long twentieth century’ have not only been equivocal and double-edged, but also unfairly distributed.
DeLong’s magnum opus, Slouching Towards Utopia was an instant NYT bestseller, and has been universally lauded as the must-read account of 20th century economics.
Join us as we explore why true economic and human progress is a complicated game of snakes and ladders, and what we need to do to create a better world.
Want to watch this event at RSA House?
For those wishing to gather with friends or colleagues to watch in-person, this event will be live-streamed on The Steps in The Coffee House on the day of the event from 13:00.