The power of a single number

Philipp Lepenies

at 250 WPM

3h 6m

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186

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The power of a single number

by Philipp Lepenies

2016

Columbia University Press

186

9780231175104

0231175108

Description

Widely used since the mid-twentieth century, GDP (gross domestic product) has become the world's most powerful statistical indicator of national development and progress. Practically all governments adhere to the idea that GDP growth is a primary economic target, and while criticism of this measure has grown, neither its champions nor its detractors deny its central importance in our political culture. Here, social scientist Philipp Lepenies recounts the lively history of GDP's political acceptance--and eventual dominance. Locating the origins of GDP measurement in Renaissance England, Lepenies explores the social and political factors that originally hindered its use. It was not until the early 1900s that an ingenious lone-wolf economist revived and honed GDP's statistical approach. These ideas were then extended by John Maynard Keynes, and a more focused study of national income was born. American economists furthered this work by emphasizing GDP's ties to social well-being, setting the stage for its ascent. GDP finally achieved its singular status during World War II, assuming the importance it retains today. Lepenies's absorbing account helps us understand the personalities and popular events that propelled GDP to supremacy, and clarifies current debates over the wisdom of the number's rule.--Adapted from dust jacket.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many pages are in The power of a single number?

This edition of The power of a single number has approximately 186 pages. Please note, this is an estimate and the exact page count can vary between hardcover, paperback, and e-book versions.

How long does it take to read The power of a single number?

For most readers, The power of a single number typically takes between 3h 53m and 2h 35m to complete. This is based on the book's length of approximately 46,500 words and common reading speeds.

Here's a detailed breakdown: • Continuous reading at 250 WPM: approximately 3h 6m of focused reading • Casual reading (30 minutes/day): you could finish in roughly 7 days • Estimated word count: 46,500 words

Your individual reading time will vary based on your personal reading pace, the amount of daily reading time, and your familiarity with the subject matter.

What is the word count of The power of a single number?

The estimated word count for The power of a single number is approximately 46,500 words. This figure is calculated using industry-standard methods that consider genre-specific word density patterns, typical formatting and layout characteristics, and standard words-per-page ratios for published books.

This is an approximation — actual word count may vary based on font size, formatting, edition, and the presence of illustrations or charts.

Who is the author of The power of a single number?

The power of a single number was written by Philipp Lepenies.

When was The power of a single number published?

The publication date for this specific edition is 2016. The original work may have been published on a different date.