How the Web Ate the Economy and Why This Is Good for Everyone

A few “bugs” in society from hundreds of years ago have had profound consequences for society today, according to author Douglas Rushkoff.  In this presentation from the Web 2.0 Expo he points out two false assumptions about the world, their medieval origins, and how the internet has provided a brief window where we can fix them.

One myth is that corporations promote free market capitalism, but they were originally monopolies granted by royalty to prolong and fund monarchy.  The other myth is that currency is money, but national currency has prevented thriving trade among peers that existed in ancient times.  The new opportunity the internet provides is to make a living by building and keeping businesses that create value for other people, rather than large corporations.

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