The Death of Homo Economicus

Work, Debt and the Myth of Endless Accumulation

Peter Fleming

Publisher: Pluto Press

In today’s workplaces we work harder and longer, labouring under the illusion that this will bring us more wealth. As this myth becomes increasingly preposterous, it’s time to understand why we believe in it, and where it came from.

The Death of Homo Economicus explores the origin of this oppressive myth, in order to destroy it. The story begins with the creation of a fake persona labelled the ‘dollar-hunting man’, invented by economists Adam Smith and Friedrich Hayek. Today, this persona, driven by competition and ego, is used by politicians and managers to draw a veil over the terrible reality of work under capitalism.

Creeping into all aspects of life, the desire to constantly compete and accumulate must be resisted if we are to create a better way of life for all.

Other books by Peter Fleming

The Mythology of Work

How Capitalism Persists Despite Itself

Peter Fleming

How neoliberal society has transformed the nature of work into a pointless ritual.

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Dark Academia

How Universities Die

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Bestselling author Peter Fleming uncovers the dark underbelly of the modern university to reveal cracks in the ivory tower

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