In Defense of Capitalism - by Rainer Zitelmann (Hardcover)

About the Book

"Rainer Zitelmann examines the ten most common objections to capitalism: capitalism leads to hunger and poverty, to rising inequality, to unnecessary consumption, to environmental destruction, to climate change, and wars. Capitalism, its critics say, prioritizes profits over humanity, creates dominant monopolies, and undermines democracy. Zitelmann scrutinizes each of these arguments in turn and reveals the flaws that debunk them. He offers counter arguments to each charge, deploying historical evidence and facts to prove that it is not capitalism that has failed, but a century of anti-capitalist experiments. The second part of the book explores popular perceptions of capitalism in Europe, the USA, Latin America, and Asia and is based on a specially commissioned Ipsos MORI poll of 21 countries, the results of which are presented here for the first time."--

Book Synopsis

Capitalism, its critics say, prioritizes profits over humanity, creates dominant monopolies, and undermines democracy. Zitelmann scrutinizes each of these arguments in turn and reveals the critical flaws that debunk them.

Rainer Zitelmann examines the ten most common objections to capitalism: that capitalism leads to hunger and poverty, to rising inequality, to unnecessary consumption, to environmental destruction, to climate change and wars. Capitalism, its critics say, prioritizes profits over humanity, creates dominant monopolies, and undermines democracy. Zitelmann scrutinizes each of these arguments in turn and reveals the critical flaws that debunk them. He offers counter arguments to each charge, deploying a wealth of historical evidence and eye-opening facts to prove that it is not capitalism that has failed, but a century of anti-capitalist experiments.

Review Quotes

"I, co-founder and chairman of the 199,876 member Capitalist League, now praise Dr. Rainer Zitelmann, a double Ph.D., historian, sociologist, author, and management consultant, as the reigning public intellectual champion of capitalism. He is capitalism's Thomas Picketty. Anti-capitalist Picketty's works are extensively reviewed and on the bestseller lists. Zitelmann's work is rigorously data-driven. Not dogmatic. While the left, shrewdly, never lets the facts stand in the way of a good story, Zitelmann utterly demolishes its arguments. All right (in both senses) thinking people should be enthusiastically promoting him." --Ralph Benko, Chairman, The Capitalist League, Lead co-author, The Capitalist Manifesto

"One of the most important books in decades defending capitalism. Well researched and well written, it not only makes the case for free markets but also demolishes Thomas Picketty's much publicized tract trashing capitalism. Adam Smith would have been impressed--and proud."
--Steve Forbes, Chairman and Editor-in-Chief of Forbes Media

"Supporters of capitalism should keep a copy of In Defense of Capitalism close at hand wherever they are. Historian Rainer Zitelmann's new book is full of interesting and convincing arguments that will not only make the reader understand that capitalism is the greatest invention in human history, but also equip him to counter the negative arguments against it. The many myths critical of capitalism are refuted with a wealth of facts and cogent arguments that the critics will not be able to effectively answer. Anyone who wants to know the truth about capitalism should read this book."
--John Mackey, founder and former CEO of Whole Foods

About the Author

Rainer Zitelmann studied history and political science and graduated with distinction.

From 1987 to 1992, Zitelmann worked at the Central Institute for Social Science Research at the Free University of Berlin. He then became editor-in-chief of Ullstein-Propyläen publishing house, at that time Germany's third largest book publishing group and headed various departments of the German daily newspaper Die Welt. In 2000, he set up his own business, Dr. ZitelmannPB. GmbH, which he established as the market leader for communication for real estate companies in Germany. He sold the business in 2016.

In 2016, Zitelmann was awarded his second doctorate, this time in sociology, with his thesis on the psychology of the super-rich (published as The Wealth Elite) at the University of Potsdam. Zitelmann is a multiple bestselling author and his 26 books have been translated into numerous languages, including this book, which will be published in 30 languages. He is a much sought-after guest speaker in Asia, the United States, Latin America and Europe. Over the last few years, he has written articles and given interviews to many of the world's leading media, including The Daily Telegraph, The Times, Forbes, Le Monde, Corriere de la Serra, Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung, Der Spiegel, Neue Zürcher Zeitung, and numerous media in Poland, China, Vietnam, Brazil, Chile, and Argentina. Detailed information about the life of Rainer Zitelmann can be found at rainer-zitelmann.com.