Other passages in Common Wealth could be dissected in this fashion. So what? Does it matter that Sachs — like a large number of other self-appointed polymaths active in the public policy arena — exaggerates, misunderstands and gets his facts wrong? The answer is that it depends on whether Sachs’ books are to be regarded as authoritative and uncontroversial, and hence as establishing a case for the radical policy options he favours. If Sachs does want them to be seen in that way he must not be surprised if reviewers are critical and try to pull him apart. After all, they may disagree with his very opinionated policy recommendations.
Both The End of Poverty and Common Wealth are lively, provocative and readable. If they merely stimulate discussion, they will make the world a better place. Economics needs people with the vitality and range of Professor Sachs. But it also needs plodders who check details and logic, recognise worth in a diversity of opinions, state conclusions carefully and seek a balance between competing and often conflicting views. Sachs may despise them as not quite living up to their Millenium Promises, but they may still be acting honourably as consumers and citizens.
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