Tibor Scitovsky

Tibor Scitovsky (1910–2002) was a Hungarian-American economist, best known for his work on welfare economics and consumer behavior. He authored 'The Joyless Economy: The Psychology of Human Satisfaction' which explores the relationship between economic growth, consumer satisfaction, and human well-being. Scitovsky's contributions to economics also include his analysis of the paradox of wealth and happiness, and his insights into the role of culture and leisure in economic development.

Books

This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.

  1. 1. The Joyless Economy

    This book challenges traditional economic theories that equate wealth with happiness, arguing that the pursuit of material gains often leads to a joyless existence. The author posits that economic growth does not necessarily result in increased satisfaction, as people adapt to new levels of comfort and pleasure, leading to a constant chase for more without genuine fulfillment. The text delves into the psychology of human desires, the role of culture in shaping consumption, and the importance of intellectual and aesthetic experiences in contributing to true well-being. It calls for a reevaluation of what constitutes real happiness and the need for economic policies that prioritize quality of life over mere quantitative expansion.

    The 3406th Greatest Book of All Time