56 pages • 1 hour read
What Money Can’t Buy: The Moral Limits of Markets
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Book Brief
256
Book • Nonfiction
2010s
2012
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
What Money Can’t Buy by Michael J. Sandel critiques the pervasive influence of market values on societal institutions and values, questioning the morality of commodifying nonmarket spheres like health, education, and public services. Through various examples, Sandel urges a societal reevaluation of what should and shouldn't be for sale, emphasizing the need for public discourse on the limits of markets.
Informative
Contemplative
Challenging
Reviews & Readership
14,921 ratings
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Review Roundup
Michael J. Sandel's What Money Can’t Buy offers a compelling critique of market-driven societies, sparking thoughtful debate on the moral limits of markets. Praised for its accessible prose and philosophical depth, some readers find it repetitive and overly idealistic. Nonetheless, it succeeds in provoking critical reflection on the commodification of life’s essentials.
Who Should Read What Money Can’t Buy?
Readers who enjoyed Michael Sandel's Justice or Daniel Kahneman's Thinking, Fast and Slow will appreciate What Money Can't Buy. It appeals to those interested in ethics, philosophy, and the moral limits of markets, sparking critical thoughts on society’s commodification. Ideal for academics, policymakers, and thoughtful citizens.
14,921 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Greg Mankiw
Greg Mankiw
An economic theorist who supports free-market values, arguing that market practices ensure resources reach those who value them most through supply and demand.
Barbara Harris
Barbara Harris
The founder of Project Prevention, a charity offering cash incentives for birth control to addicts, which raises ethical concerns about financial incentivization.
Richard Titmuss
Richard Titmuss
A British sociologist who studied blood donation systems, comparing charitable donations in Britain to paid donations in America, highlighting the impact of market values on civic behavior.
256
Book • Nonfiction
2010s
2012
Adult
18+ years
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