If you haven’t come across Gary Stevenson of Gary Economics. I would recommend his book, which I have read a while back.
I remember meeting Gary in Manchester a long time ago and I honestly thought he was pretty much right in his mindset that equality is one is one of the biggest problems facing so many people in the UK right now.
Its is incredible that Andy Burnham is the UK’s next prime minister, wouldn’t it be great if a wealth tax was part of his 10 year plan?
Following the documentary I found a lot of negativity especially around Garry being “Owned” by his last interview guest Dan Needke. But watching, its clear Dan and Gary were arguing about something different. This was confirmed when watching this meta discussion about the interchange on Novara media.
Don’t get me wrong its very similar but Gary is trying to solve the big picture of equality, while Dan is so focused on the mechanism of the wealth tax.
Photo of myself and Gary after he signed the book for me and Dave
It started with my friend Dave, who lives in America talked to me about buying a copy of the Sunday telegraph because some guy called Gary Stevenson was featured in the magazine.
Who is Gary? I asked him. This lead to a series of long conversations, and I remember saying have you never read the Spirit & inner level?
Gary’s book the trading game, has had a lot interest. Which meant a tour to further encourage people to buy the book, obviously not in America. So I ended up buying a book and a ticket (all the tickets only were gone) and went to see him in Manchester. Similar to when I interviewed Cory Doctorow in Manchester.
Having only watched a few of his videos on YouTube I wasn’t sure what to expect. The room was packed to the maximum, I got the very last seat and it started. It was full of people who have read the book already so questions were quite defined. Everything from a question about a film/tv adaptation, will there be another book, etc.
I had two questions which I never got to ask but there were asked in similar fashion by others
There must be organisations he wants to work with in a similar vein?
Why a narrative over a non fiction book about inequality?
To the first one, Garry pretty much said there are but he’s going to focus on what he can bring to the space. His experience was quite unique and he wanted to focus on that angle.
The second one, Garry made a really good point about the lack of interest in economics and non-fiction books with people who could benefit the most from hearing his story. He felt the narrative was the way to reach many more people.
I recently started the audiobook and about 30% through now. I have to say the narrative makes for an interesting story. As I learn more about the characters, history and context.
Is Gary economics going to answer the epidemic of inequality? Not likely but in combination with others (hence my first question). I can see him being like the Martin Lewis of economics. Speaking sense to busy people who are distracted by the underlying problem of inequality in every day life? I mentioned to him in the pub afterwards… find the others, as this is too big for one person.
