Soros explains why he thinks classical economic theory, with its idea of perfect knowledge and progress towards equilibrium, is of little use. Our knowledge is always imperfect, and one of the main reasons for this is that we are part of the processes we are trying to measure. This is the concept of reflexivity. A prime example is that of an economic bubbles, where everyone is following everyone else. In the later part of the book Soros discusses the recent economic downturn, and the worrying trends in American politics under the Bush administration.

I found the book rather lacking in depth, but I think that to be inevitable in a short work like this. Soros clearly wanted to avoid producing a wordy philosophical tome, (he explains how the fact that he clearly wasn't likely to get on as an academic philosopher led to his career in finance), and he's hardly going to produce a step by step guide to making lots of money. If you accept that then you'll find plenty of interest in this book."; include "amazinf.php"; ?>