Eat the Rich

This "treatise on economics" by political humorist P.J. O'Rourke was written in 1998, which makes it quite a blast from the economic past. In it, O'Rourke asks the question of why some societies are prosperous and wealthy while others aren't. In the interests of finding out, he first makes a half-hearted attempt at learning economic theory, then travels around to various countries, capitalist and socialist, functional and dysfunctional. O'Rourke's political opinions, economic and otherwise, differ significantly from my own -- I believe he considers himself a libertarian, whereas I tend to vote Democrat. So, needless to say, I don't quite share his perspective on a lot of this stuff, and I definitely don't share his conclusions. I also show more found his attitude towards many of the places he visits faintly irritating, in a vague but persistent kind of way. But even so, by 2010 standards of political discourse -- especially discourse in which the word "socialism" features prominently -- he almost comes across low-key and moderate, if decidedly snarky. This by itself is enough to make me nostalgic for 1998. I don't think I ever properly appreciated the 90s when they were here.

O'Rourke does have the capacity to be very, very funny, though. Just skimming through the acknowledgments at the beginning of the book had me laughing several times. But, alas, the chuckles were much fewer and further between in the text itself. I guess maybe even O'Rourke can't make this subject very funny, at least not to those who don't share his biases. show less

Insightful and ironic journey on economics. The author travels to many countries in order to see by himself why some countries are rich and some are poor. The book was written before China big growth and the recent wars in the old Yugoslavia region. Many comments are attached to the reality of that time, however the overall analysis is still valid, and several insights at that time were almost prophecies. Reading the book now demands more of the reader that should know world history of 1990's and also some personalities, companies, products and trends of that time. I recommend as a good entertainment and also as a way to get a better understanding of the recent world history.

I love P.J. O'Rourke. I first read his columns/articles in "Rolling Stone" years ago, and developed a taste for his brand of conservatism -- shocking for a died-in-the-wool liberal like me. O'Rourke may be the last of the gonzo journalists.

In this book he discusses the "New Economy" circa early 1990's (the book was published in 1998): Good and bad capitalism, ditto socialism, ditto reform. Knife-edged, irreverent commentary -- entertaining and educational, and even somewhat prescient, in light of the tech bust and today's economy. And boy does he drink a lot. And curse. And drink some more.

If you've never read O'Rourke, here's a sample: "The New Russians are an amazing bunch. The men wear three-piece suits with stripes the width and show more color used to indicate no passing on two-lane highways. The neckties are as wide as the wives. These wives have, I think, covered their bodies in Elmer's Glue and run through the boutiques of Palm Springs, buying whatever stuck."

Good stuff. Read it! show less

Interesting account of and defense of free markets, but neglects role of energy in wealth creation--implies we can go on creating wealth forever.

Enjoyable, funny, good insight. Points out that the problem with most socialists & economists is that they think the world is a zero-sum game.

P'J's very funny take on economics through observations ranging from a visit to the trading floor of NYSE to travels to Sweden, Russia, Tanzania, Cuba and Hong Kong in the late 90s.

Interesting look at the perception of wealth and poverty in several different countries around the world. He's looking at the different systems - none of which he shows to be perfect but many of which have both good and bad points.