The CyberPhilosopher

I just recently finished reading Michael Shermer’s latests book, ‘The Mind of the Market’. I started it about two months ago (ok, in my own defense, I generally read at least 3 books at one time and I have a 19 month old child, so lets not blame this on the book). I mention this time range because it may be somewhat responsible for my overall impression of the book.

I was, well, interested yet underwhelmed. The book has a lot of interesting things in, ranging from insights and reflections of human evolutionary psychology to economic theory. But while its an interesting read, and you are bound to learn something from it, I just didn’t feel that the stated purpose of the book, that a free market economy is best suited for us based on our psychological tendencies, was strongly supported.

Now, I do mean that I didn’t feel it was strongly supported, not that he didn’t make lots of statements that can lead someone who already believes (as I do) to feel that this is the right and best way. I didn’t see anything in the book that was contradictory either. Again, it just didn’t feel very convincing to me, and as much as I wish it was the book it set out to be, I didn’t feel like I could send this to my friend who recently told me how much he supports an incremental income tax, despite the fact that he makes a lot of money. When Shermer writes about how conservatives give more money to charity, even when adjusted for income, than liberals who believe that government should support people that are down, I think he makes great points, but it doesn’t completely come together.

Perhaps the issue is that he is talking to a popular audience, and puts a lot in the book, so he does not get overly philosophical or deep in any of the topics. Or, as I have already confessed, perhaps its just I read it over too long a period and just like watching 5 mins a day of a horror movie or drama, I missed a certain flow that is required for the point.

Overall, I rate this book about a 7. I would still recommend it to someone, but it will not change their world view.