Book Club - The Value of Nothing by Raj Patel

As retirement funds shrink, savings disappear and houses are foreclosed on, now is a good time to ask a question for which every human civilization has had an answer: why do things cost what they do? The Value of Nothing tracks down the reasons through history, philosophy, neuroscience and sociology, showing why prices are always at odds with the true value of the things that matter most to us.

Damien Hirst’s diamond-encrusted skull sold for a record $100 million at auction. But if we account for the possibility that blood diamonds were used (as many suspect), the human cost is even greater. A Big Mac might seem like the best deal in these economic times, but after analyzing the energy to produce each burger, from field to Happy Meal, Patel argues the real price tag is a whopping $200. But it is easiest to see the gap between price and value by looking at things that are so-called free. Examining everything from Google to TV, from love to thoughts, The Value of Nothing reveals the hidden social consequences of our global culture of “freedom.”

Unless otherwise noted, the BC Humanist book club will be held on the first Tuesday of every month at a members home.

Please suggest books for upcoming months and invite anyone who may be interested.

Most books are available at the Vancouver Public Library or local book stores or through the BC Humanist Association.

WHEN
February 07, 2017 at 7:00pm - 9pm Pacific Time (US & Canada)
WHERE
Goldis' Home
4030 W 33rd Ave
Vancouver, BC V6N 2J1
Canada
Google map and directions
CONTACT
Kirsten Brawn · 604 266 9336
1 RSVP

Will you come?



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