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The War on Normal People

The Truth About America's Disappearing Jobs and Why Universal Basic Income Is Our Future

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The War on Normal People

By: Andrew Yang
Narrated by: Andrew Yang
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About this listen

 ***New York Times Bestseller***

From 2020 Democratic presidential candidate Andrew Yang, a captivating account of how "a skinny Asian kid from upstate" became a successful entrepreneur, only to find a new mission: calling attention to the urgent steps America must take, including Universal Basic Income, to stabilize our economy amid rapid technological change and automation.
The shift toward automation is about to create a tsunami of unemployment. Not in the distant future--now. One recent estimate predicts 45 million American workers will lose their jobs within the next twelve 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." Labor & Industrial Relations Politics & Government Social Classes & Economic Disparity Sociology Technology Capitalism Socialism Economic disparity War US Economy Artificial Intelligence Computer Science Taxation Labour Union

Critic Reviews

"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
"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, starof ABC's Shark Tank, bestselling author of The Power of Broke, andfounder of FUBU
"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 bestsellingauthor of The Industries of the Future
"America desperately needs a wake-up call. This book will open your eyes to the ongoing effects of automation. Fortunately, aside from knowing full well the many challenges we face, Andrew Yang has a firm grasp of the solutions, most especially our need for Universal Basic Income. Read this book and hear the urgent call for abundance over scarcity, and humanity over abject madness. The clock is ticking."—Scott Santens,Director, U.S. Basic Income Guarantee Network
"Andrew Yang writes with passion and conviction, offering astute analysis--as well as a hopeful solution--for the looming challenge that may well define the coming decades: How can we ensure broad-based prosperity in a future where labor-displacing technology becomes vastly more powerful?"—Martin Ford, NewYork Times bestselling author of Rise of the Robots
"A sobering portrait of a crumbling polity . . . [and] a provocative work of social criticism."—Kirkus Reviews
"I found [The War on Normal People] fascinating and troubling."—Major Garrett, host of CBS News' "The Takeout"
All stars
Most relevant
Andrew Yang is the only man running from office that is actually making sense. #Yang2020 #HumanityFirst #Math

This is what America needs. Right here.

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I decided to listen to this book for something different and I'm so grateful I did because I have learnt so much. Thank you for creating this book Andrew. There are so many examples you share that can teach all of us how we can do better so our societies and be better for all.

Thank you!

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A very interesting listen for anyone concerned with the development of automation and AI and it’s impact on the economy. Yangs Freedom Dividend seems like one of the best solutions I’ve heard.

Well thought out and calculated approach to the future

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well-thought of & researched, it couldn’t have been read by anyone but Andrew Yang. I spent the last month of 2019 watching youtube vids as he navigates the DNC nomination. Absorbing his principles & foundation & reasons for raising his hand via this book gives you a good read of the man. I hope he reaches his goals. For all our sakes. And I’m not even an American.

Like a long speech...

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Brilliant exploration of the coming automation wave and the potential of universal basic income to soften the blow and set us on a new trajectory. Honest & full of examples and tangible solutions to some of the biggest problems we're facing as a society.
Great narration and great book.

Make this man president!

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So refreshing to hear from a politician that is both intelligent and empathic. If I lived in the US I would totally vote for him and even get on the campaign trail.
He outlines the current and coming problems related to technology, artificial intelligence and automation. Then he goes on to outline policies that would allow us to handle these issues. I was already a big fan of UBI and Andrew Yang before I read the book. I struggle to understand how anyone who reads this book could disagree with the risks ahead or Andrew's plans to overcome them.

Best political argument for anything ever.

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I got a bit depressed listening to this. Andrew is a great intellect with many sensible solutions to the job losses we will face in the future through the continued automation of our lives.

A little bleak although fascinating

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Excellent book, definitely covered in depth what you haven’t been able to clarify in long form discussions with Sam Harris, Joe Rogan, Breakfast Show and fungbros.

I’m Australian but I can’t wait for you to win the presidency of America. I hope Australia then takes your lead. I’ve been discussing Freedom dividend for more than 2yesrs with my professors in Philosophy and Theology at ACU Banyo.good luck!

Yang 2020

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Andrew Yang captures key predictions and based on what is happening now. Many politicians are asleep at the wheel.

Perfect book and most accurate prediction to date

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I listened to this book once and then bought a copy and read that twice. OMG! Why not is the question we should be asking ourselves after reading this book. Why Not?

This is a must read book for everyone!

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