The Future Of Money

Another book about the future of the world, this time linked to the way in which money creates the possibility for progress. It could be a dull affair, but it isn't. It is well-written, well-organized and essentially optimistic. The author reviews current change and the strains being put on the financial system worldwide. He shows how such things can be coped with, indeed how opportunities exist to take things forward, building on existing practices to create a money system that works and which will give us the society that we want. Lietaer's review is in the context of the current big issues. The first is the recent, and inherent, instability of monetary matters (witness the recent problems in South East Asia), and the interdependence of economies. The second is current demographic changes, particularly the increasing proportion of the population that are older and, not least, how money can suppport the needs of old age. Thirdly, and perhaps inevitably, there is a link with information technology: a revolution that may fuel unemployment as traditional jobs disappear. Lastly, climate and environmental change and the question of balancing long-term conservation with short-term financial pressures are fitted into the total picture. The book sets out to demystify today's conventional national and international money systems and the way they are changing. It then focuses on the changes in train and choices that must be made for the future in an era of jobless growth. For a serious study, the book is particularly accessible. It has cartoons to make a point and raise a smile; more importantly it has regular 'asides' - stories and examples that link what is being discussed to the nitty gritty of the real world - that act usefully to exemplify the case being made. A linked television series is due to follow. (Kirkus UK)