Author

Angus Deaton

16 key ideas across 2 books, each explained in our own words.

Deaths of Despair

IDEA 1
Deaths have risen among some Americans
Case and Deaton discovered that death rates among middle-aged white Americans without university degrees were rising. This was unusual, because death rates in rich countries normally fall over time. Their finding shocked researchers.
IDEA 2
Despair drives many deaths
The authors call these deaths of despair, caused by suicide, drug overdoses and alcohol-related illness. They argue that these deaths reflect deep social and economic distress. They are signs of social breakdown.
IDEA 3
Education divides outcomes
The authors show that people without a university degree have fared much worse. Their wages, health and family lives have suffered compared with those with degrees. A degree has become a dividing line.

IDEA 1
Humanity has made a great escape
Deaton describes how, over the past two and a half centuries, many people have escaped from poverty and early death. Life expectancy has risen dramatically, and billions now live healthier and richer lives.
IDEA 2
Progress creates inequality
Deaton argues that progress often creates inequality, because not everyone escapes at the same time. Like a prison escape, some get out first while others are left behind. Gaps can be a sign of progress.
IDEA 3
Health improved remarkably
Deaton explains how better nutrition, sanitation and medicine reduced child deaths and extended lives. These improvements spread unevenly but transformed human wellbeing. Knowledge about germs was central to these gains.

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