The Capitalist Creed — Credit, Growth, and the Modern Economic Religion Explained | Chapter 16 from Sapiens by Yuval Noah Harari
The Capitalist Creed — Credit, Growth, and the Modern Economic Religion Explained | Chapter 16 from Sapiens by Yuval Noah Harari What made capitalism the most powerful economic engine in history? In Chapter 16 of Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind , Yuval Noah Harari argues that capitalism is not just an economic system, but a belief system—rooted in trust, the promise of endless growth, and the reinvestment of profits for a better future. Watch the full chapter summary below and subscribe to Last Minute Lecture for expert academic breakdowns! Capitalism: Faith in the Future Harari explores how modern banking, credit, and the very concept of economic growth rely on shared belief. Unlike earlier zero-sum worldviews, capitalism made prosperity a collective project—trust in tomorrow fuels investment today. Adam Smith reframed personal profit as a force for social good, shifting greed from a vice to a virtue. Key Topics in Chapter 16 Capitalism as Belief System: The...