The Rational Optimist

Matt Ridley doesn't like pessimists, whether they're writing books or setting policy. What he does like, and believe in, is trade. L.J. Ganser's narration of Ridley's political and economic philosophy adds a little extra sarcasm on occasion, especially when the author is talking about the Obama administration. But mostly Ganser keeps to Ridley's optimistic tone as Ridley carefully backs up his philosophy, showing how trade led to many of man's greatest achievements, and offers suggestions for how trade, combined with a can-do outlook, could solve today's financial crises. The hints of sarcasm in Ganser's reading are a distraction, but Ridley's focus on solutions makes for an interesting thesis. J.A.S. (c) AudioFile 2010, Portland, Maine

April 12, 2010
Ideas “have sex,” in Ridley’s schema; they follow a process of natural selection of their own, and as long as they continue to do so, there is reason to retire apocalyptic pessimism about the future of our species. Erstwhile zoologist, conservationist, and journalist, Ridley (The Red Queen
) posits that as long as civilization engages in “exchange and specialization,” we will be able to reinvent ourselves and responsibly use earthly resources ad infinitum. Humanity’s collective intelligence will save the day, just as it has over the centuries. Ridley puts current perceptions about violence, wealth, and the environment into historical perspective, reaching back thousands of years to advocate global free trade, smaller government, and the use of fossil fuels. He confidently takes on the experts, from modern sociologists who fret over the current level of violence in the world to environmentalists who disdain genetically modified crops. An ambitious and sunny paean to human ingenuity, this is an argument for why “ambitious optimism is morally mandatory.”

September 15, 2010

If you are very concerned about genetically modified foods, global warming, and the use of nonrenewable energy sources, stop right now: this book is not for you. British science writer Ridley makes a compelling case that humanity is moving in a positive and encouraging direction and has been throughout the course of human history, and he backs up this claim with many statistics and examples. Narrator L.J. Ganser well conveys Ridley's passion and conviction, but because Ridley is a British writer and Ganser has an American accent, there is a jarring element to the reading. Very informative, though sure to be controversial; for those interested in social issues, current events, and the history of trade and business. [The Harper hc was described as "an engaging introduction for those interested in a historical view of human progress and prosperity," LJ 4/1/10.--Ed.]--J. Sara Paulk, Wythe-Grayson Regional Lib., Independence, VA

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