"Banking is magic that works"
Explore the groundbreaking analysis of capitalism in "Barren Metal" by E. Michael Jones, where usury and labor clash in a historical narrative that challenges modern economic systems. Discover a book that intertwines moral philosophy with economic history, offering a profound critique of capitalism's fundamental flaws.
"Barren Metal: A History of Capitalism as the Conflict between Labor and Usury" by E. Michael Jones is a pivotal work that seeks to redefine our understanding of capitalism's historical and moral underpinnings. Jones meticulously distances himself from the contemporary dichotomies of socialism and neoliberalism, presenting them as two sides of the same materialistic coin. At the heart of this analysis is the contention that capitalism, as we know it, is fundamentally a battle between the value of human labor and the exploitation inherent in usury.
Jones delves into the origins of the modern banking system, tracing its roots back to the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries, to demonstrate how usury has become the linchpin of economic and social power, leading to vast fortunes without the necessity of labor. This parasitic mechanism is critiqued not just as a source of individual wealth and power, but as a catalyst for the broader collapse of societal values and stability.
Through "Barren Metal," Jones aims to recalibrate the science of economics, steering it away from its current trajectory and back towards its rightful place alongside moral philosophy, as was originally intended by Adam Smith in "The Wealth of Nations." This book is not only a historical exploration but also a moral critique, questioning the ethics of unjust wages and the systemic reliance on usury.
Praised by scholars and critics alike, "Barren Metal" has been hailed as a compelling, thorough, and enlightening examination of Western economic history and its discontents. Reviews from notable figures like Anthony Santelli II, Brian M. McCall, Garrick Small, and Edmund Connelly underscore its significance as a work that offers both a rich historical narrative and a critical reflection on economic theory and morality.
Jones' narrative is complemented by engaging case studies spanning almost a millennium, showcasing the human stories behind the winners and losers of capitalism's relentless march forward. The book provides insightful critiques of economics, connecting theoretical reflections with moral considerations, and challenging readers to reconsider the role of banking and usury in shaping our world.
"Barren Metal" is essential reading for anyone interested in understanding the origins of our economic systems, the moral questions they raise, and the potential paths forward beyond the dichotomy of labor versus usury. E. Michael Jones' work is a call to rediscover the moral roots of economic thought and to consider a future where economics serves humanity, rather than the other way around.
