Peter Barnes shows how capitalism—like a computer—is run by an operating system. Our current operating system gives too much power to profit-maximizing corporations that devour our commons and distribute most of their profit to a sliver of the population. And government—which in theory should defend our commons—is all too often a tool of those very corporations.
Barnes proposes a revised operating system—Capitalism 3.0—that protects the commons while preserving the many strengths of capitalism as we know it. His major innovation is the commons trust—a market-based entity with the power to limit use of scarce commons, charge rent, and pay dividends to everyone.
Capitalism 3.0 offers a practical alternative to our current flawed economic system. It points the way to a future in which we can retain capitalism's virtues while mitigating its vices.
Recapturing the commons is going to be one of the century’s biggest battles. Peter Barnes makes the case for the commons in a straightforward and unsentimental way. An indispensable book on a critical topic.
- Bill McKibben, author, The End of Nature
Peter Barnes’ concept of commons trusts is nothing short of brilliant. If applied on a large scale, it would fundamentally change capitalism. This idea has legs.
- Marjorie Kelly, author, The Divine Right of Capital
This is a dangerous book—it could revolutionize capitalism. It’s also a conservative book—it could save capitalism from its own tragic flaws. Every thoughtful citizen should read it.
- Frances Moore Lappé, author, Diet for a Small Planet and Democracy’s Edge
