Predictions of doom, whether because of inadequate food, or acid rain, or poverty — the list goes on and on — have consistently been refuted by events. Matt Ridley makes an overwhelming case against the doomsayers, who are still very much with us.
About the Guest
Matt Ridley’s books have sold over a million copies, been translated into 30 languages, been short-listed for nine major literary prizes and won several awards. With BA and DPhil degrees from Oxford University, Ridley worked for The Economist for nine years as science editor, Washington correspondent and American editor, before becoming a self-employed writer and businessman. He founded the Mind and Matter column in the Wall Street Journal and is a weekly columnist for The Times.
As Viscount Ridley, he was elected to the House of Lords in February 2013. He is a fellow of the Royal Society of Literature and of the Academy of Medical Sciences, and a foreign honorary member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences.
Book Discussed
The Rational Optimist: How Prosperity Evolves
Guest’s Website
Guest’s Twitter
Episode Mentioned
Ep. 3 Jethro Tull’s Ian Anderson
Related Episodes
Ep. 355 Was the Industrial Revolution a Catastrophe for Workers? And Other Economic Topics
Ep. 285 The Moral Case for Fossil Fuels (Alex Epstein)
Ep. 237 Why Are We So Rich? (Deirdre McCloskey)
Ep. 156 Against the Catastrophists (Robert Bryce)
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