# The Rational Optimist: How Prosperity Evolves **URL:** **By** Brink Lindsey, Matt Ridley, Robin Hanson **Published:** May 20, 2010 --- In his book, "The Rational Optimist: How Prosperity Evolves," Ridley draws on the work of Smith and Darwin to present a history of cultural and economic evolution. Featuring the author, Matt Ridley; with comments by Robin Hanson, Associate Professor of Economics, George Mason University. Moderated by Brink Lindsey, Vice President for Research, Cato Institute. Our economy is hurting, and many see environmental degradation as a looming threat. Unfortunately, the proposed solutions for getting humanity back on track are, in fact, rejections of the very factors that guided us from the poverty of our ancestors to the prosperity of today. In his book, _The Rational Optimist: How Prosperity Evolves_, bestselling author Matt Ridley (_The Red Queen_, _The Origins of Virtue_, _Genome_) draws on the work of Adam Smith and Charles Darwin to present a history of cultural and economic evolution — a story of progress driven not by the heavy hand of rulers but by bottom-up innovation, specialization of labor, and freedom of trade. He uses the insights this historical perspective offers to address some of today's most pressing issues, from the financial crisis to energy scarcity to globalization. Join us for a discussion of the book by the author, with commentary from Robin Hanson, associate professor of economics at George Mason University.