Stephen Kinsella lectured me Economics for my Masters degree in Business Administration (MBA), based on his personality and his broad knowledge of economics (and beyond) I have always found him fascinating. Once I heard he had written a book, I was mad to get stuck in and read it. To my initial disappointment it was not an academic economic’s book, however this disappointment quickly turned to excitement as you do not need to understand economics to get this book. The format of the book has fascinated me, as it is based on a “imagined end”. This imagined end is based on a quote Daniel Taylor which is
“The power of an imagined end, and it literally can only be imagined, lies in its ability to influence present choices.”
By using this format Stephen opens up a discussion based where we [Ireland] are now and where we [Ireland] could possibility be in the year 2050.
The book was inspired by Stephen thinking ahead to what Ireland would be like for his son’s and his grandchildren. As part of the book, he has also introduces the fictitious but quite possible Murphy family through a 2050 diary. Factoids are also blended into this book to promote discussion. Despite the fact this is not a hard core book on economics, it is Stephens in-depth understanding of economics which translates it into a book for all that have an interest in Ireland’s future at this “Economical crossroad”.
This book really encourages the reader to think and discuss the following factors whicih will shape Ireland’s future:
Energy - including a discussion on Nuclear and green energy technologies
Education - a structure that is anti-creativity
Who we should trade with?
Health - including HSE 2.0 - the HSE with technology
Who is poor, who is rich, how big is the divide and why?
What about the aging population and the cost associated with them?
The importance of Literacy and now the importance of Digital literacy?
What is the price of Coffee and will Ireland be producing it?
How will Ireland Climate impact us?
How will the nature of Work change?
What infrastructure will we have, and what infrastructure do we need?One part of the book that was particular interest to me is that Stephen’s book talks about the possibility of a high-tech hub in Birr, County offaly producing the next Google. This interests me for the following reasons:
1. I grew up in Birr, County Offaly and I have always had an tremendous interest in technology and how it can change the world.
2. Currently I live fourteen miles from Birr (in Cloughjordan) and I am on the board of directors of an Enterprise centre (currently at the tender stage for Build). This Enterprise centre is been built within a Eco-village and shall be focus on sustainability and the creation of Green/Ecological business.
3. In my opinion Ireland is full of bright and intelligent people, we need to learn to “fail constructively” and gather in focused groups to make this scenario happen, as it is very possible.
This is a book “Ireland in 2050 - How we will be living” I would highly recommend for those who have an interest in Ireland future, this includes all present and future citizens of Ireland, and maybe those beyond this little island that may consider it a place to do business. I now know what to buy my entire family and friends for Christmas presents, I wonder if if Stephen’s publishers do a bulk discount?
4 Responses
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Can anyone answer me why Dr Kinsella fails to mention, in his concerns about our energy security looking into the future, that we could indeed be very secure if we reclaimed our gas and oil off the west coast that our corrupt government gave away to Shell. As an economic commentator to fail to highlight and skirt around talking about buying nuclear power from France is to show a lack of courage and to insult the public readership.
Angela,
This is a very valid point in relation to our Government failing us (yet again) by selling us [the people of Ireland] short. I think the point Stephen is trying to get across is that the purchase of Nuclear power is just a temporary solution and/or use our own resources more efficiently. In my opinion I would rather not go this route of nuclear power, however the actions of the present Government have limited our options.
I think our present situation in relation to energy shortages, while unfortunate, will spur some of the great Irish minds to rethink how we consume energy and create some disruptive innovations. I really believe in the Green economy and I am making active steps to reduce my CO2 footprint.
The time to think and more importantly the time to act is now, in order to ensure that future Irish generations prosper.
Regards,
Mark.
If the government fails us, we fail ourselves.
Continuing the Discussion