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Albert O. Hirschman

The Passions and the Interests: Political Arguments for Capitalism Before Its Triumph

In "The Passions and the Interests: Political Arguments for Capitalism Before Its Triumph," Albert O. Hirschman explores the historical transformation of the concept of "passions" and its relationship to the rise of commercial society and capitalism. Hirschman challenges the traditional view that the rise of capitalism was driven by a desire to control human passions and channel them into productive economic activity. Hirschman argues that the concept of "passions" was initially viewed negatively, as a destructive force that needed to be controlled. However, with the rise of commercial society, a new concept emerged: the "interests." The interests were seen as a more positive force, capable of channeling passions into productive economic activity. This shift in thinking, according to Hirschman, played a crucial role in the acceptance and spread of capitalism. The book is divided into three parts. The first part examines the initial critique of passions and the emergence of the concept of interests. The second part looks at the ways in which the concept of interests was used to justify and promote capitalism. The third part explores the critiques of capitalism that emerged in the 18th and 19th centuries and the ways in which they challenged the notion of interests as a positive force. Hirschman's book is a valuable contribution to the history of economic thought and the understanding of the rise of capitalism. It provides a nuanced and sophisticated account of the ways in which ideas and concepts shape economic and political systems. The book is well-researched, well-written, and accessible to a wide audience. It will be of interest to scholars of economics, history, and political science, as well as to anyone interested in the history of capitalism and the role of ideas in shaping economic systems. In conclusion, "The Passions and the Interests" is a thought-provoking and insightful book that sheds new light on the history of capitalism and the role of ideas in shaping economic systems. It is a must-read for anyone interested in the history of economic thought and the rise of capitalism...