By way of contrast with "The Mystery of Capitalism" by DeSoto, this book (read May 28) on this same topic is reviews events after the collapse of communism in Russia and details the movement toward capitalism. It looks at seven eastern European countries. It looks like it offers a more balanced view than the DeSoto book. There are good sections on the issue of property (p. 41) and how those issues are being fought over. In Russia, for example, they go over the various groups that have grabbed the property - ex- communists, mafias, etc.

Patient ants will eventually enjoy higher standards of living than impatient crickets. Optimum levels of consumption are below the maximum - must save for the future. Topics: why private markets work, growth models.