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Winners Take All

The Elite Charade of Changing the World

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Winners Take All

By: Anand Giridharadas
Narrated by: Anand Giridharadas
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About this listen

Penguin presents the audiobook edition Winners Take All: The Elite Charade of Changing the World written and read by Anand Giridharadas.

*The New York Times bestseller*

'Entertaining and gripping . . . For those at the helm, the philanthropic plutocrats and aspiring "change agents" who believe they are helping but are actually making things worse, it's time for a reckoning with their role in this spiraling dilemma' Joseph Stiglitz, New York Times Book Review

What explains the spreading backlash against the global elite? In this revelatory investigation, Anand Giridharadas takes us into the inner sanctums of a new gilded age, showing how the elite follow a 'win-win' logic, fighting for equality and justice any way they can - except ways that threaten their position at the top.

But why should our gravest problems be solved by consultancies, technology companies and corporate-sponsored charities instead of public institutions and elected officials? Why should we rely on scraps from the winners? Trenchant and gripping, this is an indispensable guide and call to action for elites and citizens alike.

©2019 Anand Giridharadas (P)2019 Penguin Audio Corruption & Misconduct Philanthropy & Charity Politics & Government Poverty & Homelessness Racism & Discrimination Social Sciences Socialism Discrimination Capitalism Taxation

Critic Reviews

"Entertaining and gripping.... For those at the helm, the philanthropic plutocrats and aspiring 'change agents' who believe they are helping but are actually making things worse, it's time for a reckoning with their role in this spiraling dilemma." (Joseph Stiglitz, New York Times Book Review)
All stars
Most relevant  
I'm certainly guilty of "growing up" career-wise in Market World, much in the same vein as Hilary Cohen is profiled here, so I found this book a refreshing and vital challenge. Perhaps true to that nature, I did crave more of the solution in this book, e.g. putting more than one profile in the finishing chapter of role models that Giradharadas would consider as persevering to better the world without being constrained by self-serving Market World tactics. More concrete examples to inspire and give clearer directions on how very many options there are to pursue this end.

Still an excellent book to inspire conversation and discourse, and hopefully action.

Performance by Giradharadas was a little monotone in this recording, but overall fine.

Essential read for aspiring "world changers"

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This book explains why our western countries are turning to shit. It’s a must read if you care at all about changing the world for the better

Must read

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Focusing on the US, a comprehensive analysis of how the ideology and modus operandi of the market dominates the philanthropic sector and it’s wilful blindness to structural inequality and the contribution made by benefactors to social, environmental and political problems. The story features players from a college student thinking about how she might help the disadvantaged, to the Ford Foundation CEO, to former President Bill Clinton. The book is beautifully read by the author.

Expert Analysis

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a much needed book
for a long time people have hidden wealth in charitable trusts to avoid tax rather than to help.
lets move towards a world that encourages and rewards risk taking and innovation but also one that takes note of the society that supports it

the road to hell is paved with good intentions

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Well read, well argued. Questions real problems. great read if you are interested in understanding problems around inequality.

Phenomenal book

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The book lifts the lid on the elites unfettered power to craft market solutions to global challenges, simultaneously reaping praise for self-interested do-gooding while getting a free pass for the harmful practices that often lead to their fortunes. Thank you to Anand for his bravery in letting us behind the scenes of the hypocrisy of the industry of elite world changing and advocating for real systems change.

Sustainable development advocates must read

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What Anand Giridharadas talks about in his book is confronting, yet it is a crucial wake-up call if we wish to improve the world and reduce inequalities.
This book explains very well how plutocrates hijacked the decision making regarding the resolution of world's inequalities and why this is a biased process since these elites are very unlikely to impose limitations on their ability to create wealth and power, which is the source of inequality in the first place.
The books also dives into the dilemma of some very determined individuals who wanted to change things, end-up being swallowed by this system.
Utterly interesting book.

Confronting, but so necessary!

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loved it was narrated by the author, and content applies to every western country as the same systems are in place to perpetuate the current status quo. fiod for thought and action

very interesting and compelling

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Confronting yet excellent and fascinating not like anything I’ve read before. Share with others in business

Every entrepreneur needs to listen

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An eye opener for sure. You may re-evaluate how to do good in the world after the ideas in the book swirl around you mind for a time.

Behold the truth and tremble in its wake.

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