'Among the best critics of today's reigning economics and the mindset it supports, one sometimes finds economists. And one of the most profound and historically acute of them is Richard Norgaard. His new book leads not to the shoring up of a flawed economics but to something radically different. Highly recommended.'

James Gustave Speth, Co-founder, Natural Resources Defense Council, USA

'This book is a tour de force arising from a half century of engagement at the science-policy interface, broad reading, and deep reflection! Dick Norgaard, a visionary founder of ecological economics, has created a comprehensive analysis of our current crises with compelling suggestions of ways forward. There are few people who write as effectively about the problems of neo-liberal economics to meet our environmental challenges. To read it is to savor vintage wine.'

Mary Evelyn Tucker and John Grim, Yale Forum on Religion and Ecology, USA

'Richard Norgaard's new book about the history, teaching, and practice of economics, especially in the United States, should be widely read and discussed. It is insightful, informative, engaging, and disturbing, and is clearly written. Norgaard's main charge is that economics has become detached from reality and morality. As a result, it does little more than support dominant beliefs that, in Norgaard's words, soothes souls and calms concern. This, at a time when economic, environmental, and social systems are breaking down and new thinking and thoughtful action is required. If you have ever wondered where the mistaken and misleading ideas of economists came from, why they are so influential, and why it is essential to adopt a different world view from that promulgated by economists, this is the book for you.'

Peter A. Victor, York University, Canada

'Richard Norgaard is one of those rare economists who sees the economy not as a quasi-mystical system but as part of the larger living world. Directing the Invisible Hand provides a compelling explanation of why the “science” of economics has failed people and planet so profoundly. Norgaard deftly weaves together economics and ecology, history and politics, culture and theology-all to explain how we got here and what we must do to change human behavior if we want to protect people and planet.'

Robert Jensen, University of Texas, USA

Richard Norgaard's new book Directing the Invisible Hand is very nearly in a class of its own. Not since J.K. Galbraith's The Affluent Society (1958) has a book appeared on economic beliefs both so deeply focused and so engaging to read.Norgaard's book is likely for decades to be a major reference point in the increasingly front-page discussion of our economy-caused social and ecological disasters. To be a part of the discussion, you should read American Economism today.

Edward Fullbrook, Real-World Economic Review, UK

What an astonishing claim! The global economy is the largest faith system in human history, says Richard Norgaard. He goes on to dissect the economic myths we live by: the unfettered faith in markets, the glorification of individualism, the hysterical belief in property, the worship of the corporation, the desacralization of nature. And he points to an economy for the common good that promotes a plurality of cultures. This is the book to pick up if you are puzzled by our strange impotence in responding to our climate and nature emergency.

Wolfgang Sachs, Director of the Wuppertal Institute, Germany