Stubborn Attachments

A Vision for a Society of Free, Prosperous, and Responsible Individuals

by Tyler Cowen

4.1(350 ratings)

12 min read

Brief overview

This book explains the moral and practical benefits of focusing on long-term economic growth as a key driver of prosperity and well-being. With a blend of philosophical inquiry and actionable advice, it shows how conscientious attention to the future can shape policies that uplift society. By diving into ethics, distribution, and progress, it encourages readers to adopt a forward-looking mindset that balances freedom and responsibility.

Introduction

We live in a world that often chases immediate results, yet our greatest achievements have come from taking the long view. Many people feel pulled in conflicting directions, searching for both moral clarity and practical solutions to society’s challenges. In this opening section, the book highlights the power of combining prosperity and individual freedom as guiding lights for building a flourishing society.

It suggests that by zooming out to look at the broader timeline of human history and projecting into our future, we cultivate an appreciation for sustainable growth. This perspective urges us to ask: what if our current decisions could shape the well-being of people hundreds of years from now, in ways both predictable and surprising?

From these questions emerges a call to reexamine our values, placing them against a backdrop of prudence and responsibility. Rather than fixating solely on daily hurdles, we can learn to approach life’s problems with a more expansive lens—one that respects individual rights while also embracing the vast possibilities of collective progress.

Focusing on the bigger picture often gives our daily actions deeper meaning.

Why Growth Matters

Economic growth may sound technical, but in its simplest form, it’s about bringing more opportunities, better health, and greater comfort to everyday people. This book champions a broader notion called “Wealth Plus,” which includes not only measured output but also the quality of our environment, our leisure time, and even the freedom to pursue meaningful goals.

A helpful metaphor for this concept is the idea of a “Crusonia plant,” which keeps bearing fruit forever once it starts growing. Similarly, when we invest in a growing economy, we create compounding benefits that help us and future generations. These benefits can be seen in better medical breakthroughs, improved education, and greater autonomy.

Of course, not every policy will supercharge growth. But the main point is that large, forward-oriented investments—such as crucial infrastructure or research—can set off a virtuous cycle. Once such a positive cycle takes root, it can become self-sustaining, generating not just material prosperity but also deeper well-being.

Even modest growth, when sustained, can outpace immediate benefits from quick fixes.

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What is Stubborn Attachments about?

"Stubborn Attachments: A Vision for a Society of Free, Prosperous, and Responsible Individuals" by Tyler Cowen delves into the long-term benefits of prioritizing economic growth. Cowen presents a thought-provoking narrative, encouraging readers to consider how policies centered on economic expansion can lead to societal well-being and stability. By weaving together ethics, economic theory, and policy-making, the book offers a holistic framework for future-focused governance and personal responsibility.

At its core, "Stubborn Attachments" challenges the conventional short-term views by placing importance on sustained, ethical growth that respects individual freedoms. The book argues that small, intentional choices today can have significant impacts, ultimately fostering an innovative environment where prosperity and social progress thrive. Cowen effectively illustrates that prioritizing economic growth not only brings material wealth but also profound societal improvements such as greater freedom, opportunity, and ethical resource distribution.

Tyler Cowen's work is pivotal in driving home the importance of forward-thinking strategies in economic policies. It frames economic growth as a tool for moral development, a subject matter relevant for policymakers, economists, and individuals invested in long-lasting positive change.

Review of Stubborn Attachments

"Stubborn Attachments" stands out for its unique approach in marrying moral values with economic growth strategies. Cowen skillfully elucidates the connection between a thriving economy and enhanced personal and societal outcomes. The book's practical takeaways include actionable strategies to integrate economic expansion with the protection of fundamental rights and sustainable practices. Cowen advocates for policies that are anchored in future-oriented progress, ensuring every decision contributes positively toward communal well-being.

The book is particularly compelling in its exploration of the balance between growth and justice, showcasing ways to accommodate a thriving economy without compromising on ethical principles. Cowen's writing style is accessible, engaging readers from all backgrounds, making complex economic theories understandable through personal narratives and relatable examples. Its relevance stretches beyond academia, offering real-life relevance and application to individuals, government, and private sectors.

Overall, "Stubborn Attachments" is recommended for anyone interested in understanding the broader consequences of person-centric economic policies. It is a clarion call for visionary leadership, nurturing an ideology that promotes enduring benefits for society as a whole, making it a worthwhile read for policymakers and forward-thinking individuals alike.

Who should read Stubborn Attachments?

Policymakers seeking to understand the intersection of economic growth and ethical governance.
Economists interested in the long-term societal impacts of economic policies.
Environmentalists looking to explore how economic incentives can support sustainable practices.
Business leaders aiming to navigate towards responsible and impactful corporate strategies.
Philosophy enthusiasts investigating the moral dimensions intertwined with economic growth.

About the author

Tyler Cowen is a professor of economics at George Mason University and director of the Mercatus Center. He was named in an Economist poll as one of the most influential economists of the past decade. He is the author of several books, including the New York Times bestseller The Great Stagnation, and is an opinion columnist at Bloomberg. He also cowrites the blog Marginal Revolution and hosts the podcast Conversations with Tyler.