Reddit meter
The Idealist
288 pages, 2014
economics & politics
987 books
biographies & memoirs
997 booksIn 2006, Jeffrey Sachs—celebrated economist, special advisor to the Secretary General of the United Nations, and author of the influential bestseller The End of Poverty— launched the Millennium Villages Project, a daring, $120-million experiment designed to test his theories about ending poverty. For six years, Nina Munk shadowed Sachs on his trips to Africa, listened in on conversations with heads-of-state and humanitarian organizations, and immersed herself in the lives of people in two remote African villages. Munk came to understand the real-life issues that challenge Sachs’s formula for ending global poverty. The Idealist is the profound and moving story of what happens when the abstract theories of a brilliant, driven man meet the realities of human life.
In 'The Idealist', Nina Munk explores the intricate nature of poverty. She shows that it's not just about lack of money, but also about social, cultural, and political factors. It's a reminder that there's no one-size-fits-all solution to poverty.
Munk emphasizes the importance of understanding local culture when trying to implement change. She shows how Jeffrey Sachs, the main character, often overlooked this aspect, leading to the failure of many of his projects. This is a lesson for anyone looking to make a difference in unfamiliar territories.
The book highlights the limitations of idealism. Sachs had a noble goal - to end poverty. However, his idealistic approach often clashed with reality. This is a reminder to balance idealism with practicality.
In 'The Idealist', accountability is a recurring theme. Munk shows how Sachs's projects lacked accountability, leading to inefficiencies and failures. This is a lesson for anyone in a leadership position - always hold yourself and your team accountable.
Despite numerous failures, Sachs never gave up on his mission to end poverty. His persistence is a testament to his character and a lesson for all of us. Even when things get tough, don't give up on your dreams.
Quotes 3
The Idealist is a fascinating and deeply disturbing book. It's a powerful critique of the kind of large-scale, technocratic, top-down projects that the U.S. government and many philanthropists love.
Bill Gates - Microsoft Co-founderA balanced, deeply probing, and in many ways alarming critique of the ideology that informs the Gates Foundation.
Kirkus Reviews - Book Review MagazineThe Idealist is a valuable, cautionary tale about the dangers of humanitarian hubris.
The Economist - International Weekly Newspaper