Very interesting idea

The concept of MMT is presented well in layman's terms, but without a good understanding of macro economics it is hard to validate or criticise the concept. I'm afraid that most people will read this and be swept up by the moralising without understanding exactly how and where this may or may not work.

I do have some concerns about the applicability of this concept to developing nations. Kelton pretends to address this with a short piece in one of the chapters, but Kelton's solution is squarely aimed at helping the US, not the billions of poor people not living there. In particular, I have some concerns about how the balance of trade (which will surely be strengthened by universal employment) can be weapon used to maintain existing US hegemony. On the other hand, if China and India employs this concept and raises their productive output proportional to their labour capacity, then the West has no chance to remain dominant global powers.

Being new the concept, I really like this as way to move towards Universal Basic Income, without jumping into it fully. However, I do believe that Kelton and others are overly idealistic about the complexity of managing a massive state-funded workforce. Having seen how hard it can be to manage performance (value addition) from some people who are "willing to work", I believe that this proposal will need to answer how to keep the state employed productive.

Unfortunately Kelton deviated from her economic message toward to the end to take her moral message of universal employment to other fields that she is not an expert in. This smacks of virtue signalling and is disingenuous from an economics stand-point. Recognising that we need to prioritise environmental concerns from an economic perspective is good. However, proposing solutions is not in her remit and pushing the renewable agenda is presumptuous.

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Very thoughtfully written

opened my eyes into seeing money and government spending in a brand new way. Amazing book. Highly recommended!!

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Clear, concise, and wonderfully written.

This is the easiest book on macroeconomics that you'll ever read. The book is empowering and gives you the information you need to imagine a better world.

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Easy, Informative, Important.

I would recommend everyone listens to this book. The ideas discussed impact on everyone. Stephanie patiently goes through the deficit myth in an incredibly accessible way. This will turn your understanding of how the government works on its head. It will both frustrate and inspire you. This is a knowledge everyone should have.

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Everyone should hear this

Inspiring. Would be transformational if adopted. Lots of great analogies that make the concept understandable.

Come to New Zealand Stephanie and let's implement MMT here as a model. We already have some progressive thinking with a Treasury Living Standards Framework and Government Wellbeing budgets but their implementation is still constrained by conventional economic thinking. Fingers crossed the powers that be would be open minded enough to listen and scrutinise MMT.

We have MMP that has transformed our political system by giving everyone's vote a meaning. Let's introduce MMT for all the reasons you suggested in your outstanding final chapter.

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excellent. just need all politicians to read it.

the challenge is now to get politicians to read, understand and implement policy decisions. In Australia the federal govt can invest in the waste and recycle industry to create industry inputs, change laws to require industry to use those recycled inputs, fund equipment transition; invest in greening australia by creating paid jobs to design and roll out environmental solutions; and restructure the age care and ndis from 'for profit businesses' to not for profit businesses and Govt. businesses and replace a mostly under trained casual workforce with full and part time jobs inclusive of training to grow skills in this demanding field. Funding people and plant care is critical not optional. Much opportunity awaits a leader with vision, rather than a book keeper.

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An eye opener

I was surprised to learn the concepts fleshed out in this book and what they meant for the future if implemented. It was surprisingly relevant for my country, Australia, even though the book centres around American politics. This is for anyone who currently believes that a government should handle its budget like a household.

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This is an important and must read book

Regardless of your political persuasion, gaining an understanding of MMT and it's application in our ever changing world should be mandatory for everyone with the right to vote.

Stephanie does a wonderful job of making the educational experience interesting and engaging.

This book will change both your understanding and views of how governments should spend and mange money.

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Great eye opener. With small critique.

Great book about budgets and government spending. Although at some parts of the book I feel as though they should have elaborated and held your hand more.

For example, in those with "problems" with MMT in regards to inflation. I had to go away ans study briefly on my own to understand how MMT proposes it does NOT inflate a currency and it makes sense now that I've read more. However I feel as though they should have done an example of how inflation works under MMT slowly. Also, they should have elaborates more on what makes a country a fiât currency and how financial sovereignty is achieved with specific examples and caveats to those you would assume have financial sovereignty such as Argentina.

Other than this, great read and story.

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Essential reading/listening

I am so shocked at my own ignorance. Thank you for enlightening me on how our government’s finances really works. I now understand that government funding isn’t from taxes but is created by the government itself, and the government’s “deficits” are just how much extra money is left in the economy after taxes. It’s ridiculous this wasn’t something i learned while studying economics at Uni in the 90’s. I can only hope this book changes the way we discuss government spending moving forward. Thank you again.

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