The Death of Homo Economicus: Work, Debt and the Myth of Endless Accumulation

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.

Author: Peter Fleming
Publisher: Pluto Press (UK)
Published: 10/15/2017
Pages: 224
Binding Type: Paperback
Weight: 0.90lbs
Size: 8.40h x 5.30w x 1.00d
ISBN: 9780745399409

About the Author
Peter Fleming is professor of business and society at Cass Business School, City University London. He is a columnist for the Guardian and the author of The Mythology of Work, also published by Pluto Press.