Why Philanthropy Matters (ebook)

Argumento de Why Philanthropy Matters (ebook)

"Acs offers a well-written, well-researched account of the evolution of American capitalism."--Choice

"The book is fast paced and highly readable."--Kathi Coon Badertscher, Enterprise & Society

"This marvelous and insightful book provides, to my knowledge, the first link between the philanthropist and economic performance. Exceptionally original and a pleasure to read, it will induce many scholars and policymakers to reconsider the way they think about the economy and the important role played by philanthropy."--David B. Audretsch, Indiana University

"Why Philanthropy Matters argues that philanthropy is the institutional element that enables the creation of great wealth and the recycling of that wealth across generations. With timely and well-grounded arguments, this breakthrough book offers a new vision of philanthropy's place in American economic thought."--Roger R. Stough, George Mason University

"This thought-provoking book provides a deeper understanding of how the market-based capitalist system works and how it has helped to increase societal prosperity. Acs puts the role of the philanthropist in historical and institutional context, and his insights will be of considerable interest to a broad audience."--Pontus Braunerhjelm, Royal Institute of Technology

"Acs' effort to link philanthropy to greater income equality, opportunity and security is admirable and potentially important."--Glenn C. Altschuler, Tulsa World

"[E]asily the best work on the subject I have read."--Luke Johnson, Financial Times

"Drawing on research conducted over 30-plus years, Acs's examination documents historically how philanthropy has affected and been affected by the entrepreneurial spirit unique to the American economic system. . . . This is a worthwhile read for U.S. economists as well as those wishing to understand how American-style capitalism and philanthropy create innovation."--Elizabeth Nelson, Library Journal

"Acs develops an interesting account of American economic history as he traces the activities of philanthropists across the decades."--Kirkus Reviews

"Why Philanthropy Matters is a useful book, appropriate to academics and an informed general readership as well as in undergraduate and graduate seminar-style classrooms (I myself am requiring it in a masters-level seminar this semester). . . . [I]t raises timely issues about the American economy, in particular the nexus of capitalism and philanthropy in America."--Gordon E. Shockley, Independent Review

"While philanthropy is generally seen as a positive practice, few view it as a sustaining capitalistic force that drives the economy. Acs seeks to change this in an informative and enlightening . . . look at philanthropy's many positive repercussions. . . . Economists will find this book helpful in crystallizing the long-term impact of philanthropy and the degree to which it influences the American economy."--Publishers Weekly

"The best pro-philanthropy book I know."--Tyler Cowen, Marginal Revolution

"Acs' major achievement here is to understand philanthropy's oft-neglected and uniquely American role in economic growth."--Evan Sparks, Philanthropy Magazine

"In The Gospel of Wealth (1889), Andrew Carnegie urged his prosperous contemporaries to avoid 'hoarding great sums' and to give their 'surplus' wealth away during their lifetimes, to strengthen an economic system that might thereby produce some riches for all. In the more measured tones of an economist, Mr. Acs is making much the same point: A capitalist economy not only enables but requires philanthropy. Through it, entrepreneurs can support the kinds of institutions that generate discoveries and that provide pathways for other people to make their own fortunes."--Leslie Lenkowsky, Wall Street Journal

Finalist for the 2014 George R. Terry Book Award, Academy of Management0Preface ix
Chapter 1. A Conversation 1
Chapter 2. Creating Opportunity 19
Chapter 3. Entrepreneurship and Innovation 46
Chapter 4. The Wealth of Nations 86
Chapter 5. Charity and Philanthropy 121
Chapter 6. American-Style Capitalism 149
Chapter 7. The Global Perspective 176
Epilogue Changing the Tax Laws 200
Pledge Letters 205
Notes 227
Index 241