Why Information Grows

The Evolution of Order, from Atoms to Economies

Cesar Hidalgo

Recommended By

Book Reviews

Book Synopsis

Why Information Grows by Cesar Hidalgo offers a thought-provoking exploration of how information shapes our world. Hidalgo, a professor at MIT, explains the fundamental principles behind the growth of information and its impact on social and economic development.

Using examples ranging from the evolution of ancient civilizations to the modern digital age, Hidalgo presents a fresh perspective that challenges the traditional understanding of economic growth. He argues that the key to understanding growth lies in understanding the growth of information, which is intricately connected to the complexity of our social and economic systems.

Hidalgo introduces the concept of "collective learning" as the driving force behind the growth of information. He illustrates how collective learning occurs through the accumulation and sharing of knowledge, catalyzing the development of new technologies and innovations. Through this lens, he examines the factors that contribute to the varying levels of growth observed in different societies and economies.

The book also delves into interconnectedness and emphasizes how meaningful information is created and shared within networks. Hidalgo highlights how this process can facilitate economic growth and enable individuals and societies to adapt to a rapidly changing world.

In "Why Information Grows," Hidalgo presents a compelling argument that information growth is not limited solely to technological progress, but rather interweaves with human interactions and societal dynamics. By expanding our understanding of the role of information, Hidalgo offers insights that could shape our approach to economic development and policy-making in the future.

Explore More Books

See All
The Scout Mindset
The British Are Coming
The Great Convergence
The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire
The Power To Compete
Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas
Competitive Strategy
Blink
Believe Me
Idoru
No Ordinary Time
Hard Landing
The Status Syndrome
Open
Common Stocks and Uncommon Profits
The Complete Stories
Mao
Contrarian Investment Strategies
Andy Goldsworthy
Kill It With Fire
Queen of Fashion
Joy on Demand
Leadership and Self-Deception
Upheaval
Atlas Shrugged
Debt
Status Anxiety
Exponential Organizations
Fortitude
Dataclysm
The Godfather
The Blazing World
Tribe
Lost in Shangri-La
Dear Leader
Seeker
Awakening Joy
Stalingrad
The God Delusion
The Gene
Revolution in The Valley
Iacocca
The Little Book of Common Sense Investing
The World That Wasn't
Lasker's Manual of Chess
Thai Stick
The Lights in the Tunnel
Prosperity
Against Empathy
The Constitutional Convention
The World For Sale
Walk in Their Shoes
The Ultimate Resource 2
The Future Is Faster Than You Think
Shadow Divers
Wake Up to the Joy of You
The Story of Civilization: The Age of Faith
The Yellow Pad
The Line Becomes a River
One Summer
Ender's Game
The Peacemaker's Code
The Rise of Superman
Value-added Measures in Education
Without a Doubt
Consolations
The Storytelling Animal
Dune Messiah
The New One
The Tyrrany of Guilt
The Man Who Solved The Market
The Origin of Consciousness in the Breakdown of the Bicameral Mind
The Idea Factory
The Adventures of Tom Sawyer
The Undoing Project
The Red Decade
Stumbling on Happiness
Midnight In Chernobyl
Patient Capital
Destined For War
Oscar
The Yoga Sutra of Patanjali
Delivering Happiness
The Bottomless Well
I Heard God Laughing
My Inventions
If I Could Tell You Just One Thing
The Making of a Philosopher
The Rise and Fall of the Great Powers
The Laws of Thermodynamics
Ham on Rye
The Legend of Henry Ford
Francis Crick
The One Sentence Persuasion Course
The New Science of Strong Materials
Rise of the Robots
1984
Einstein's Mistakes
Losing The Signal
The Watchman's Rattle