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  • The War on Normal People

  • By: Andrew Yang
  • Narrated by: Andrew Yang
  • Length: 6 hrs and 55 mins
  • 4.7 out of 5 stars (190 ratings)
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The War on Normal People

By: Andrew Yang
Narrated by: Andrew Yang
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Summary

From entrepreneur Andrew Yang, the founder of Venture for America, an eye-opening look at how new technologies are erasing millions of jobs before our eyes - and a rallying cry for the urgent steps America must take, including Universal Basic Income, to stabilize our economy.

The shift toward automation is about to create a tsunami of unemployment. Not in the distant future - now. One recent estimate predicts 13 million American workers will lose their jobs within the next seven years - jobs that won't be replaced. In a future marked by restlessness and chronic unemployment, what will happen to American society?

In The War on Normal People, Andrew Yang paints a dire portrait of the American economy. Rapidly advancing technologies like artificial intelligence, robotics, and automation software are making millions of Americans' livelihoods irrelevant. The consequences of these trends are already being felt across our communities in the form of political unrest, drug use, and other social ills. The future looks dire - but is it unavoidable?

In The War on Normal People, Yang imagines a different future - one in which having a job is distinct from the capacity to prosper and seek fulfillment. At this vision's core is Universal Basic Income, the concept of providing all citizens with a guaranteed income - and one that is rapidly gaining popularity among forward-thinking politicians and economists. Yang proposes that UBI is an essential step toward a new, more durable kind of economy, one he calls "human capitalism."

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying reference material will be available in your Library section along with the audio.

©2018 Andrew Yang (P)2018 Hachette Audio

Critic reviews

"In this powerful book, Andrew Yang highlights the urgent need to rewrite America's social contract. In a call to arms that comes from both head and heart, Yang has made an important contribution to the debate about where America is headed and what we need to do about it." (Alec Ross, New York Times best-selling author of The Industries of the Future)

"This book is a must read. Andrew Yang is tackling one of the biggest challenges facing our country the way only an entrepreneur can, but unlike most, he sees the big picture. Making money is good for you - but building a strong society and strong people is good for all of us. The topics Andrew addresses in this book aren't about some dystopian future way down the road. These things are happening today, and every entrepreneur should read this book to understand the challenges of the next decade." (Daymond John, star of ABC's Shark Tank, best-selling author of The Power of Broke, and founder of FUBU)

"Andrew Yang is one of those rare visionaries who puts dreams into action. The War on Normal People is both a clear-eyed look at the depths of our social and economic problems and an innovative roadmap toward a better future." (Arianna Huffington, Founder and CEO of Thrive Global)

"A sobering portrait of a crumbling polity...[and] a provocative work of social criticism." (Kirkus Reviews)

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Scary and inspirational

The most pessimistic and optimistic book I've ever read. Two thirds of the way through I was ready to slit my wrists. Your ( scary) analysis of our current and future evoking situation should be heard by every politician in power today (have you considered sending every congressman a copy). The last third is a clear and visionary explanation of some possible solutions to our problems. fantastic book. Good luck with your presidential bid.

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Depressing facts, Inspiring solution

A comprehensive review of the US and in part of the Western world in general. Packed full of facts, this might actually reduce some people’s desire to consume this, but for me it shows that the recommendations and conclusions are absolutely required.

Clearly inspired by his own work and the failure of government, the author gives a rousing call to action. If life were to move in this direction I feel it would be good for the US and hence the world.

It gets my vote.

The authors voice is a bit monotonous at times but you get used to it and his passion does come through.

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A must-read for EVERYONE, everywhere!

Yes, that means you too.

What Andrew proposes will be vital, not only to the U.S. but to the rest of humankind as well.

He voice is also really easy to listen to.

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Really interesting

This is a thought provoking book. It starts a little preachy and as someone who was ambivalent to UBI it seemed a bit like being in the choir being preached to. However, as the book progresses it covers the problems our society will face and makes you really think about what we are going to do in the coming decades.

The book was written several years ago and was wildly optimistic about how quickly we would progress technologically. Things like self driving trucks are nowhere near where Yang thought they'd be when he wrote the book. I think that just means we have a bit more time to prepare for the genuine problems he raises.

I wasn't convinced by all his ideas. The social credits plan would never work in my opinion for example. Overall though I would say this short book is definitely worth reading just to expand your horizons a bit and Yang's narration is decent.

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Dissapointed

I bought this because it made a big reference to Universal Basic Income. The reality was completely different.

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A revelation

The first half of this book presents a sobre but clear understanding of the current landscape and market dynamics in the coming two decades. The second half then proposes a bold vision for the future. It has left me feeling realistic but optimistic.

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An Interesting Character

some interesting opinions, I found myself asking as many questing as answers actually found. Andrew is at least thinking of the problems that lie ahead even if he doesn't have all the answers, but then who does. he seems like someone I'd vote for, if I had a vote, but I don't, so there is that... hmmm

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The chilling future we face unless we change now.

I write about our dysfunctional economy - how it has been hijacked by the rich elite (Capital) to serve their needs at the expense of the majority (Humanity.)

I highlight the six leading causes and point out that if this thinking and approach prevails, where markets are placed before humanity, then, when we usher in this new epoch of Man - the AI and Robotics epoch, we are all screwed.

This absolutely excellent book by Andrew Yang backs my hypothesis with all the disturbing facts. This book should be mandatory reading for everybody involved in determining social and economic policy. Unfortunately, it probably won't because it involves a fairer, more balanced outcome for the majority; something the rich elite don't want and will resist with all their considerable might. They want it all, yet our long-term success depends upon looking after the welfare of all.

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Excellent book

An excellent book, shows the frightening experience of the future of automation, would recommend, well narrated

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Has Yang been sent from the future to save us?

Comprehensive, forensic & compelling, whilst being slightly terrifying at same time. Yang's humanity shines through. He has not just joined the dots, done the MATH, ran the data, he cares deeply.

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