The book offers not only a better understanding of the recent "gambling craze," but also a fundamental inquiry into human nature and the structure of societies.

Argues that macroeconomic management of the economy leads nations into decline

A theory of business enterprise and rivalry is developed from the assumption that decisions to undertake new ventures and readiness to take risks are related to fears of being hierarchically outranked.

This book shows how discussion on "chance," "risk," "gambling," "insurance," and "speculation" illuminates where societies stood, where we are today, and where we may be heading.

In this book, Reuven Brenner argues that people bet on new ideas and are more willing to take risks when they have been outdone by their fellows on local, national, or international scales.

And all this is in clear, compelling writing that is devoid of jargon.

Argues that sudden declines in status cause people to try new ideas and discusses risk taking, population growth, usury, anti-semitism, and the occupations of minority groups