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The Zero Marginal Cost Society
A review of

The Zero Marginal Cost Society

The Internet of Things, the Collaborative Commons, and the Eclipse of Capitalism

Jeremy Rifkin • St. Martin’s Press • 2014

When Life Costs Nothing

by David Meyer

Prolific futurist Jeremy Rifkin predicts the end of capitalism and a communal world of sharing and cooperation.

An Optimistic Futurist

Author, futurist and economist Jeremy Rifkin describes society’s march toward an economy of sharing, cooperation, social experience and broad empathy. He weaves history, economics, psychology and science into a cohesive, compelling vision of a radically different but desirable future. His predictions span the next 30 to 50 years, but today’s broad social movements accelerate so rapidly that some of his forecasts could become reality more quickly.

Rifkin’s central theme is that the world is changing for the better because, even though capitalism created today’s abundance, people’s attitudes are shifting to collaboration, sharing and conservation. A hardened realist might predict humanity’s inexorable decline into oblivion, but those seeking an alternative future will appreciate Rifkin’s hopefulness.

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    M. L. 9 years ago
    Interesting concept. Presumably new products and services will emerge as consumer habits evolve and the old structures become eclipsed by resource-sharing.and collaboration.