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The Price of Tomorrow

The Price of Tomorrow

Why Deflation is the Key to an Abundant Future
by Jeff Booth 2020 232 pages
4.09
3k+ ratings
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Key Takeaways

1. Technology is Inherently Deflationary and Disrupting Traditional Economic Models

Technology is deflationary.

Exponential growth. Moore's Law, which states that computing power doubles approximately every 18 months while costs halve, exemplifies the deflationary nature of technology. This exponential growth is not limited to computing but extends to various technologies across industries.

Disruption of traditional models. As technology advances, it creates abundance and lowers costs in ways that challenge traditional economic assumptions:

  • Digital goods can be reproduced at near-zero marginal cost
  • Platforms like Amazon and Airbnb aggregate vast supplies, increasing choice and competition
  • Automation and AI are replacing human labor in many sectors

Economic implications. The deflationary pressure from technology conflicts with traditional economic models built on inflation and scarcity. This tension is forcing a reevaluation of monetary policy, job creation, and economic growth strategies.

2. The Global Economy is Trapped in a Debt-Fueled Growth Cycle

If we stopped adding to that debt and started to pay it back at a rate of $1,000 per second, it would take nearly 8,000 years.

Unsustainable debt growth. The global economy has become increasingly reliant on debt to fuel growth:

  • Total global debt: ~$247 trillion (as of 2018)
  • Global GDP: ~$80 trillion
  • Debt-to-GDP ratio: Over 3:1

Diminishing returns. Each new dollar of debt is producing less economic growth than in the past, creating a cycle where more debt is needed to maintain the same level of growth.

Systemic risk. The massive debt burden creates systemic risk in the global financial system. Central banks and governments are forced to maintain low interest rates and continue monetary easing to prevent a debt crisis, potentially exacerbating long-term economic imbalances.

3. Artificial Intelligence is Rapidly Advancing and Will Transform Every Industry

It is not therefore a difficult leap for the imagination that—with enough data, compute power, and storage—almost any problem that could be solved by a human could be better solved by a computer.

Exponential progress. AI capabilities are advancing at an exponential rate, with breakthroughs in areas like:

  • Deep learning and neural networks
  • Natural language processing
  • Computer vision
  • Reinforcement learning

Wide-ranging impact. AI is poised to transform virtually every industry and profession, from healthcare and finance to transportation and creative fields.

Economic and social implications. The rapid advancement of AI raises critical questions about:

  • Job displacement and the future of work
  • Economic inequality and wealth concentration
  • Privacy and data ownership
  • Ethical considerations in AI decision-making

4. The Future of Energy is Abundant, Clean, and Nearly Free

By getting our energy directly from the sun instead of a circuitous route of digging things up that originally got their energy from the sun and transforming and re-transforming them, we remove an entire supply chain of inefficiency and cost.

Solar revolution. The cost of solar energy has plummeted, following a trend similar to Moore's Law in computing:

  • 88% cost reduction in the last decade
  • Continued 20% cost reduction for every doubling of shipped volume (Swanson's Law)

Abundance and deflation. As renewable energy becomes nearly free, it will have profound economic implications:

  • Disruption of traditional energy industries and jobs
  • Potential for abundant clean water through affordable desalination
  • New possibilities for carbon capture and environmental remediation

Geopolitical shifts. The transition to abundant clean energy will reshape global power dynamics, reducing the strategic importance of fossil fuel reserves and potentially alleviating some sources of conflict.

5. Jobs and Economic Systems Must Adapt to Technological Disruption

If every job is a function of our intelligence, as computers beat us at intelligence, how could any job be safe?

Job displacement. As AI and automation advance, they will increasingly outperform humans in various tasks, potentially displacing a significant portion of the workforce.

Skill obsolescence. The rapid pace of technological change is making many skills obsolete faster than ever before, requiring continuous learning and adaptation.

Economic restructuring. Traditional economic models based on full employment may become unsustainable, necessitating new approaches such as:

  • Universal Basic Income
  • Shorter work weeks
  • Redefinition of work and value creation

Education reform. Educational systems must evolve to prepare people for a rapidly changing job market, emphasizing adaptability, creativity, and lifelong learning.

6. Human Biases and Narratives Shape Our Understanding of the World

We are constantly creating and using stories to explain how the world works and how we fit within it. The stories we choose tend to reinforce our beliefs, from religion, to politics, to good versus evil, to capitalism or socialism or anything else we believe in.

Cognitive biases. Our brains are hardwired with various biases that affect our decision-making and perception of reality:

  • Confirmation bias
  • Anchoring effect
  • Sunk cost bias
  • In-group bias

Narratives and belonging. Humans have a deep need to belong to groups and create narratives that reinforce their beliefs and identities.

Filter bubbles. Technology and social media algorithms can amplify these biases by creating echo chambers that reinforce existing beliefs and limit exposure to diverse perspectives.

Implications for society. Understanding and addressing these biases is crucial for:

  • Improving decision-making in business and government
  • Fostering cooperation and reducing polarization
  • Developing more effective education and communication strategies

7. Cooperation and Shared Goals are Essential for Solving Global Challenges

The findings suggest that Maslow's theory is largely correct. In cultures all over the world the fulfillment of his proposed needs correlates with happiness.

Human needs hierarchy. Maslow's hierarchy of needs provides a framework for understanding human motivation and behavior across cultures.

Cooperative strategies. Game theory and evolutionary biology suggest that cooperative strategies tend to be more successful in the long run than purely selfish ones.

Global challenges. Many of the world's most pressing problems, such as climate change and inequality, require international cooperation and shared goals to address effectively.

Incentive structures. Designing effective incentive structures that align individual and collective interests is crucial for fostering cooperation and solving global challenges.

8. Economic Inequality and Loss of Hope Fuel Social Unrest and Extremism

People do not naturally hate others when they're content or have abundance. They are manipulated into it when they feel discounted or that they have nothing to lose.

Rising inequality. Technological disruption and current economic systems have contributed to growing wealth inequality:

  • Top 5% of the population holds more than two-thirds of wealth in the US
  • Three individuals have more wealth than the bottom 50% of the US population

Social consequences. Increasing inequality and loss of economic hope can lead to:

  • Political polarization and populism
  • Social unrest and extremism
  • Erosion of democratic institutions

Psychological factors. Economic insecurity and perceived injustice can make people more susceptible to divisive narratives and extremist ideologies.

Addressing root causes. Solving these issues requires addressing the underlying economic and technological drivers of inequality, rather than just treating the symptoms.

9. A New Economic Framework is Needed for the Age of Technology and Abundance

We need to build a new framework for our local and global economies, and soon, or the same technology that has the power to bring abundance to us and our world will instead destroy it.

Outdated models. Current economic systems were designed for a pre-technology era of scarcity and are ill-equipped to handle the realities of technological deflation and abundance.

Rethinking value and work. A new economic framework must address:

  • The decoupling of human labor from value creation
  • The potential for universal basic services in an age of abundance
  • New measures of economic well-being beyond GDP

Policy challenges. Developing and implementing a new economic framework will require overcoming:

  • Entrenched interests and resistance to change
  • Short-term thinking in politics and business
  • Coordination challenges at the global level

Opportunities. A well-designed new economic framework could:

  • Harness technology for widespread abundance and well-being
  • Reduce inequality and social tensions
  • Create more sustainable and resilient economic systems

Last updated:

FAQ

What's "The Price of Tomorrow" about?

  • Deflation as a Key Theme: The book argues that deflation, driven by technological advancements, is crucial for a prosperous future.
  • Economic Systems and Technology: It explores how current economic systems are not equipped to handle the deflationary impact of technology.
  • Call to Action: Jeff Booth emphasizes the need for a new economic framework to harness technology for global prosperity.
  • Interdisciplinary Approach: The book combines insights from economics, technology, psychology, and sociology to present its thesis.

Why should I read "The Price of Tomorrow"?

  • Understanding Economic Shifts: It provides a comprehensive analysis of how technology is reshaping economic landscapes.
  • Future-Proofing Knowledge: The book offers insights into future trends, helping readers prepare for upcoming changes.
  • Innovative Perspectives: Booth challenges conventional economic wisdom, offering fresh perspectives on growth and prosperity.
  • Actionable Insights: It concludes with a call to action for business leaders, policymakers, and individuals to adapt to technological changes.

What are the key takeaways of "The Price of Tomorrow"?

  • Deflation is Inevitable: Technological advancements inherently lead to deflation, which can be beneficial if managed correctly.
  • Current Systems are Obsolete: Existing economic systems are not designed to handle the rapid pace of technological change.
  • Need for New Frameworks: A new economic framework is necessary to leverage technology for global prosperity.
  • Role of Technology: Technology is not just an industry but a fundamental force reshaping every aspect of life.

How does Jeff Booth define deflation in "The Price of Tomorrow"?

  • More for Less: Deflation is when you get more value for your money, as opposed to inflation where you get less.
  • Technology-Driven: It is primarily driven by technological advancements that increase efficiency and reduce costs.
  • Economic Impact: Deflation challenges traditional economic models that rely on inflation and growth.
  • Future Implications: Understanding deflation is crucial for adapting to future economic landscapes.

What are the best quotes from "The Price of Tomorrow" and what do they mean?

  • "Technology is deflationary." This quote encapsulates the book's central thesis that technology inherently reduces costs and increases efficiency.
  • "We need to build a new framework for our local and global economies." It highlights the necessity for systemic change to adapt to technological advancements.
  • "The only thing driving growth in the world today is easy credit." This quote critiques the reliance on debt to fuel economic growth, which is unsustainable.
  • "Our lives are defined by the positive impact we have on others." It underscores the book's call to action for individuals to contribute positively to society.

How does "The Price of Tomorrow" address the role of technology in the economy?

  • Deflationary Force: Technology is a major deflationary force, reducing costs and increasing efficiency across industries.
  • Economic Disruption: It disrupts traditional economic models, necessitating new frameworks for growth and prosperity.
  • Job Impact: While technology creates efficiencies, it also poses challenges for employment, requiring new approaches to job creation.
  • Abundance Potential: If managed well, technology can lead to an era of abundance, reducing the need for traditional economic growth.

What is Jeff Booth's call to action in "The Price of Tomorrow"?

  • Rethink Economic Models: Booth urges a reevaluation of current economic systems to better align with technological advancements.
  • Embrace Deflation: He advocates for embracing deflation as a positive force rather than resisting it.
  • Collaborative Efforts: The book calls for collaboration among business leaders, policymakers, and individuals to create a sustainable future.
  • Focus on Abundance: Booth emphasizes the potential for technology to create abundance, reducing the need for constant economic growth.

How does "The Price of Tomorrow" compare technology to past economic shifts?

  • Different from Past Revolutions: Unlike the Industrial Revolution, technology today is exponential and deflationary.
  • Impact on Jobs: While past shifts created new jobs, technology today may not replace all jobs it displaces.
  • Systemic Change Required: The book argues that current systems are ill-equipped to handle the rapid pace of technological change.
  • Potential for Abundance: Technology has the potential to create abundance, but it requires a new economic framework to realize this potential.

What are the implications of deflation according to "The Price of Tomorrow"?

  • Economic Challenges: Deflation challenges traditional economic models that rely on inflation and growth.
  • Debt and Credit: It complicates debt repayment, as the real value of debt increases in a deflationary environment.
  • Policy Adjustments: Policymakers need to adapt to deflationary pressures by rethinking economic strategies.
  • Opportunities for Abundance: If managed well, deflation can lead to an era of abundance, reducing the need for constant economic growth.

How does "The Price of Tomorrow" suggest we adapt to technological advancements?

  • New Economic Frameworks: Develop new economic models that align with the deflationary nature of technology.
  • Focus on Abundance: Shift focus from growth to abundance, leveraging technology to improve quality of life.
  • Collaborative Solutions: Encourage collaboration among governments, businesses, and individuals to address economic challenges.
  • Embrace Change: Be open to change and innovation, recognizing that traditional models may no longer be effective.

What are the potential risks of ignoring the insights in "The Price of Tomorrow"?

  • Economic Instability: Ignoring deflationary pressures could lead to economic instability and increased inequality.
  • Missed Opportunities: Failing to adapt to technological advancements may result in missed opportunities for growth and prosperity.
  • Increased Polarization: Economic challenges could exacerbate social and political polarization if not addressed.
  • Unsustainable Growth: Continued reliance on debt and credit to fuel growth is unsustainable and could lead to economic collapse.

How does "The Price of Tomorrow" propose to achieve global prosperity?

  • Embrace Deflation: Accept deflation as a natural outcome of technological progress and leverage it for prosperity.
  • Innovative Policies: Implement innovative policies that align with the realities of a technology-driven economy.
  • Focus on Collaboration: Foster global collaboration to address economic challenges and create a sustainable future.
  • Leverage Technology: Use technology to create abundance and improve quality of life, reducing the need for traditional economic growth.

Review Summary

4.09 out of 5
Average of 3k+ ratings from Goodreads and Amazon.

The Price of Tomorrow receives mixed reviews. Some praise its insights on technology's deflationary effects and the need to rethink economic systems. Others criticize it for lacking depth and coherence, feeling more like an extended blog post. The book covers topics like AI, job automation, and monetary policy. While some find it thought-provoking, others see it as superficial. Readers appreciate the discussion on deflation but wish for more concrete solutions. The book's timing, just before the COVID-19 pandemic, adds an interesting perspective to its economic predictions.

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About the Author

Jeff Booth is a technology entrepreneur and visionary leader with over 20 years of experience. He founded BuildDirect, a technology company in the building industry, and led it through various economic challenges. Booth has been recognized for his entrepreneurial achievements, including being named BCTIA's Person of the Year and one of Goldman Sachs' 100 Most Intriguing Entrepreneurs. He is involved in multiple ventures, serving as a founding partner, co-founder, and board member for several companies. Booth is also a member of the Young Presidents Organization and contributes to the Creative Destruction Lab as a founding Fellow.

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