What is *Licence to Be Bad* by Jonathan Aldred about?

*Licence to Be Bad* critiques how modern economic theories, particularly neoclassical economics, have reshaped societal values to prioritize self-interest over collective good. Aldred argues that ideas from economists like Milton Friedman and agency theory corrupted moral decision-making in business and politics, enabling unethical behavior. The book traces this shift through case studies, showing how economics became a “moral license” for exploitation.

Who should read *Licence to Be Bad*?

This book suits readers interested in economics, ethics, or social policy, including students, policymakers, and critics of capitalism. It appeals to those seeking to understand how economic theories influence real-world issues like inequality, corporate greed, and climate inaction. Aldred’s accessible style makes complex ideas digestible for non-experts.

What are the key concepts in *Licence to Be Bad*?

- **Moral licensing**: How economics justified selfishness as rational. - **Agency theory**: Prioritizing shareholder profits over societal well-being. - **Neoclassical dominance**: The suppression of alternative economic models. - **Ethical erosion**: Case studies linking economic theories to crises like the 2008 crash.

How does *Licence to Be Bad* critique mainstream economics?

Aldred dismantles the myth of economics as a neutral science, exposing its ethical assumptions. He challenges cost-benefit analysis, “trickle-down” theories, and the overreliance on markets, arguing these frameworks ignore moral responsibility and perpetuate systemic inequality. The book highlights how economics became a tool to legitimize greed.

What economists does Jonathan Aldred critique in *Licence to Be Bad*?

Milton Friedman, Gary Becker, and Michael Jensen are central targets. Aldred critiques Friedman’s shareholder primacy, Becker’s expansion of economics into social domains, and Jensen’s agency theory, linking their ideas to corporate scandals and reduced accountability.

How does *Licence to Be Bad* address climate change?

Aldred argues traditional cost-benefit analysis fails climate policy by undervaluing future generations and ecosystems. He advocates moving beyond market-based solutions, emphasizing ethics over profit-driven frameworks. The book critiques carbon trading and warns against “greenwashing” through economic jargon.

What solutions does *Licence to Be Bad* propose?

Aldred calls for economics to reintegrate ethics, diversify beyond neoclassical models, and prioritize long-term societal health. He advocates policy shifts like stricter corporate accountability, wealth taxes, and rejecting GDP as a progress metric. The book urges readers to challenge economics’ moral authority.

How does *Licence to Be Bad* compare to Ha-Joon Chang’s *Economics: The User’s Guide*?

Both critique mainstream economics, but Aldred focuses on moral corruption, while Chang explains economic diversity. Chang’s book is an introductory guide, whereas *Licence to Be Bad* is a polemic against specific theories and their real-world harms.

Licence to be Bad Summary, PDF, EPUB, Audio

Licence to be Bad

Jonathan Aldred

4.08 (296 Reviews)

Economics Philosophy Finance

Überblick

Wichtige Erkenntnisse

Autor

Häufige Fragen

How economics became a moral poison - Cambridge economist Jonathan Aldred reveals how Friedman, Hayek, and others normalized selfishness as rational behavior. Praised by Ha Joon Chang as "going to change the way we understand economics, politics, and society."

Entdecke Deine Art zu Lernen

Kurzfassung9Min

Erlebe das Buch durch die Stimme des Autors

Vertiefung42Min

Verwandle Wissen in fesselnde, beispielreiche Erkenntnisse

Lernkarten10 Erkenntnisse

Erfasse Schlüsselideen blitzschnell für effektives Lernen

Spaß24Min

Genieße das Buch auf unterhaltsame und ansprechende Weise

Bestes Zitat aus Licence to be Bad

Real trust, however, means believing someone will do right even when they could profit by breaking promises.

Entdecke Deine Art zu Lernen

Licence to be Bad ist nicht nur ein Buch — es ist eine Meisterklasse in Economics. Um Ihnen zu helfen, die Lektionen auf die für Sie beste Weise aufzunehmen, bieten wir fünf einzigartige Lernmodi an. Ob Sie ein Tiefdenker, ein schneller Lerner oder ein Geschichtenliebhaber sind, es gibt einen Modus, der zu Ihrem Stil passt.

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"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

@Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC

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@djmikemoore

"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."

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"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."

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"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"

@Jaded_Falcon

201

"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."

@OojasSalunke

"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."

@Leo, Law Student, UPenn

483

"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"

@Cashflowbubu

Von Columbia University Alumni in San Francisco entwickelt

BeFreed vereint eine globale Gemeinschaft von 1,000,000+ wissbegierigen Menschen

Erfahren Sie mehr darüber, wie BeFreed im Web diskutiert wird

"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."

@Moemenn

"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."

@Chloe, Solo founder, LA

117

"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."

@Raaaaaachelw

"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."

@Matt, YC alum

108

"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

@Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC

254

"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

@djmikemoore

"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."

@Pitiful

4.5K

"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."

@SofiaP

"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"

@Jaded_Falcon

201

"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."

@OojasSalunke

"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."

@Leo, Law Student, UPenn

483

"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"

@Cashflowbubu

"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."

@Moemenn

"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."

@Chloe, Solo founder, LA

117

"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."

@Raaaaaachelw

"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."

@Matt, YC alum

108

"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

@Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC

254

"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

@djmikemoore

"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."

@Pitiful

4.5K

"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."

@SofiaP

"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"

@Jaded_Falcon

201

"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."

@OojasSalunke

"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."

@Leo, Law Student, UPenn

483

"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"

@Cashflowbubu

"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."

@Moemenn

"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."

@Chloe, Solo founder, LA

117

"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."

@Raaaaaachelw

"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."

@Matt, YC alum

108

"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

@Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC

254

"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

@djmikemoore

"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."

@Pitiful

4.5K

"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."

@SofiaP

"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"

@Jaded_Falcon

201

"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."

@OojasSalunke

"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."

@Leo, Law Student, UPenn

483

"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"

@Cashflowbubu

1.5K Ratings4.7

Starten Sie Ihre Lernreise, jetzt

Diese Zusammenfassung herunterladen

Erhalten Sie die Licence to be Bad-Zusammenfassung als kostenloses PDF oder EPUB. Drucken Sie es aus oder lesen Sie es jederzeit offline.

Licence to be Bad

Jonathan Aldred

4.08 (296 Reviews)

Economics Philosophy Finance

Überblick

Wichtige Erkenntnisse

Autor

Häufige Fragen

Entdecke Deine Art zu Lernen

Kurzfassung9Min

Erlebe das Buch durch die Stimme des Autors

Vertiefung42Min

Verwandle Wissen in fesselnde, beispielreiche Erkenntnisse

Lernkarten10 Erkenntnisse

Erfasse Schlüsselideen blitzschnell für effektives Lernen

Spaß24Min

Genieße das Buch auf unterhaltsame und ansprechende Weise

Bestes Zitat aus Licence to be Bad

Real trust, however, means believing someone will do right even when they could profit by breaking promises.

Mehr wie dieses

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Beyond the Numbers: Decoding Modern Economics

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Think back to 1945. A dairy farmer named Antony Fisher picked up Friedrich Hayek's "The Road to Serfdom" and had an epiphany about free markets. But when he approached Hayek about entering politics, the economist gave him curious advice: don't bother with politics-influence the influencers instead. Fisher took this to heart, made millions introducing battery-chicken farming to Britain, then founded the Institute of Economic Affairs in 1955. This think tank would eventually arrange Margaret Thatcher's first meeting with Hayek, a moment so emotional that Hayek remarked, "She's so beautiful." What began with chicken farms transformed global politics. By 1981, Fisher's Atlas Economic Research Foundation had grown into a network of over 500 free-market organizations across 90 countries. This wasn't just about spreading ideas-it was about fundamentally rewiring how we think about human behavior, trust, fairness, and what we owe each other. The revolution succeeded not through force but through a gradual encroachment of economic thinking into every corner of our lives, until concepts like "everyone has their price" stopped sounding cynical and started sounding obvious.

The Prisoner's Dilemma and the Death of Real Trust

When Wealth Became More Important Than Justice

Why We Started Believing Government Is Always the Problem

When Not Contributing Became the Smart Choice

Markets in Everything - Including What Shouldn't Be for Sale

Reclaiming Our Humanity from Economic Logic

Entdecke Deine Art zu Lernen

Kurzfassung

Zusammenfassung von Licence to be Bad in 9 Minuten

Zerlegen Sie die Kernideen von Licence to be Bad in leicht verständliche Punkte, um zu verstehen, wie innovative Teams kreieren, zusammenarbeiten und wachsen.

00:00

Lernkarten

Top 10 Erkenntnisse aus Licence to be Bad auf einen Blick

Destillieren Sie Licence to be Bad in schnelle Gedächtnisstützen, die die Schlüsselprinzipien von Offenheit, Teamarbeit und kreativer Resilienz hervorheben.

Spaß

Lektionen aus Licence to be Bad erzählt in 24-Min Geschichten

Erleben Sie Licence to be Bad durch lebhafte Erzählungen, die Innovationslektionen in unvergessliche und anwendbare Momente verwandeln.

00:00

Personalisieren

Erleben Sie Licence to be Bad auf Ihre Weise.

Fragen Sie alles, wählen Sie die Stimme und erschaffen Sie gemeinsam Erkenntnisse, die wirklich bei Ihnen ankommen.

Von Columbia University Alumni in San Francisco entwickelt

BeFreed vereint eine globale Gemeinschaft von 1,000,000+ wissbegierigen Menschen

Erfahren Sie mehr darüber, wie BeFreed im Web diskutiert wird

"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."

@Moemenn

"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."

@Chloe, Solo founder, LA

117

"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."

@Raaaaaachelw

"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."

@Matt, YC alum

108

"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

@Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC

254

"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

@djmikemoore

"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."

@Pitiful

4.5K

"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."

@SofiaP

"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"

@Jaded_Falcon

201

"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."

@OojasSalunke

"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."

@Leo, Law Student, UPenn

483

"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"

@Cashflowbubu

Von Columbia University Alumni in San Francisco entwickelt

BeFreed vereint eine globale Gemeinschaft von 1,000,000+ wissbegierigen Menschen

Erfahren Sie mehr darüber, wie BeFreed im Web diskutiert wird

"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."

@Moemenn

"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."

@Chloe, Solo founder, LA

117

"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."

@Raaaaaachelw

"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."

@Matt, YC alum

108

"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

@Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC

254

"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

@djmikemoore

"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."

@Pitiful

4.5K

"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."

@SofiaP

"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"

@Jaded_Falcon

201

"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."

@OojasSalunke

"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."

@Leo, Law Student, UPenn

483

"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"

@Cashflowbubu

"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."

@Moemenn

"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."

@Chloe, Solo founder, LA

117

"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."

@Raaaaaachelw

"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."

@Matt, YC alum

108

"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

@Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC

254

"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

@djmikemoore

"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."

@Pitiful

4.5K

"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."

@SofiaP

"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"

@Jaded_Falcon

201

"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."

@OojasSalunke

"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."

@Leo, Law Student, UPenn

483

"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"

@Cashflowbubu

"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."

@Moemenn

"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."

@Chloe, Solo founder, LA

117

"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."

@Raaaaaachelw

"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."

@Matt, YC alum

108

"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

@Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC

254

"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

@djmikemoore

"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."

@Pitiful

4.5K

"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."

@SofiaP

"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"

@Jaded_Falcon

201

"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."

@OojasSalunke

"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."

@Leo, Law Student, UPenn

483

"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"

@Cashflowbubu

1.5K Ratings4.7

Starten Sie Ihre Lernreise, jetzt

Diese Zusammenfassung herunterladen

Erhalten Sie die Licence to be Bad-Zusammenfassung als kostenloses PDF oder EPUB. Drucken Sie es aus oder lesen Sie es jederzeit offline.

Licence to be Bad by Jonathan Aldred Summary

Overview of Licence to be Bad

Similar books to Licence to be Bad

Bestes Zitat aus Licence to be Bad

Kurzfassungs-Modus - Lesen oder hören Sie die Zusammenfassung von Licence to be Bad in 9 Minuten

Lernkarten-Modus - Top 10 Erkenntnisse aus Licence to be Bad auf einen Blick

Spaß-Modus - Lektionen aus Licence to be Bad erzählt in 24-Min Geschichten

Personalisieren-Modus - Lesen oder hören Sie die Zusammenfassung von Licence to be Bad in 0 Minuten

Licence to be Bad PDF herunterladen

Licence to be Bad EPUB herunterladen

Licence to be Bad by Jonathan Aldred Summary

Overview of Licence to be Bad

Similar books to Licence to be Bad

Bestes Zitat aus Licence to be Bad

Mehr wie dieses

Wichtigste Erkenntnisse

When the Game Changed and We Didn't Notice

The Prisoner's Dilemma and the Death of Real Trust

When Wealth Became More Important Than Justice

Why We Started Believing Government Is Always the Problem

When Not Contributing Became the Smart Choice

Markets in Everything - Including What Shouldn't Be for Sale

Reclaiming Our Humanity from Economic Logic

Kurzfassungs-Modus - Lesen oder hören Sie die Zusammenfassung von Licence to be Bad in 9 Minuten

Lernkarten-Modus - Top 10 Erkenntnisse aus Licence to be Bad auf einen Blick

Spaß-Modus - Lektionen aus Licence to be Bad erzählt in 24-Min Geschichten

Personalisieren-Modus - Lesen oder hören Sie die Zusammenfassung von Licence to be Bad in 0 Minuten

Licence to be Bad PDF herunterladen

Licence to be Bad EPUB herunterladen

Mehr wie dieses

Wichtigste Erkenntnisse

When the Game Changed and We Didn't Notice

The Prisoner's Dilemma and the Death of Real Trust

When Wealth Became More Important Than Justice

Why We Started Believing Government Is Always the Problem

When Not Contributing Became the Smart Choice

Markets in Everything - Including What Shouldn't Be for Sale

Reclaiming Our Humanity from Economic Logic