Viking Economics:

How the Scandinavians Got It Right - And How We Can, Too

By: George Lakey

Narrated by: Chris Roman

Liberals worldwide invoke Scandinavia as a promised land of equality, while most conservatives fear it as a hotbed of liberty-threatening socialism. But the left and right can usually agree on one thing: that the Nordic system is impossible to replicate elsewhere. The US and UK are too big, or too individualistic, or too - something.

In Viking Economics - perhaps the most fun economics audiobook you've ever listened to - George Lakey dispels these myths. He explores the inner-workings of the Nordic economies that boast the world's happiest, most productive workers, and explains how, if we can enact some of the changes the Scandinavians fought for, surprisingly recently, we too can embrace equality in our economic policy.

©2017 Melville House (P)2017 TalkingBook

Amazing ideas in this book

Expect a clean, professionally narrated book about economics and social policy but FUN! Loved it and would listen to again.

MIND BLOWING

Any additional comments?

This is something that everyone should hear. Very convincing. Very well-written and the narration is great!

Interesting Social History

This book doesn't really cover economics, if economics is the study of the interchange of currency, goods, and services. Rather, it's a look at the historical and social conditions that have led to the economic systems now in effect in Scandinavia. It does include comparative statistics (e.g., amount of innovation in Scandinavia versus North America), but it doesn't go into the details of specific economic questions. For that reason, the book will probably be of more interest to the layman than the economics student. Basically, the book makes the case that, if the United States were to realign its values around community, as opposed to the individual and profit, then it too could see a rise in the general quality of the life of its citizens, just as Scandinavia has. The reader wasn't bad, but it didn't seem like he could actually affect the Nordic accents he was trying to. Overall very interesting and worthwhile, but not a book of economics per se.

We’ll researched book

I just returned from a Scandinavian tour. I would vouch for everything in this book. These countries are a league of their own. The harmony between nature and people is amazing. Adopting the socialist model was tarnished by similarities to communism and corruption. Freedom and equality are pillars in Scandinavia but I would add accountability are merits that built the Viking economy and way of life. Read “Jante’s Law” to learn more. I was surprised that the book didn’t refer to it

Must Listen

If you've never read this or heard about this topic you've got to listen. Seriously mind boggling that the USA doesn't take a note from this study. Come on, people!