“This book is destined to become a one-of-a-kind classic that will rank in its impact with Alexis de Tocqueville’s Democracy in America, penned almost two centuries ago. It is indispensable today for understanding how various economies are actually performing. Rainer Zitelmann, tireless apostle of economic freedom whose numerous books and articles are published throughout the world, provides on-the-ground insights for over a score of countries about the state of their economies and the policies each is pursuing. He shares the often-surprising findings from in-depth surveys he commissioned to gauge people’s attitudes in various nations towards subjects like capitalism and the rich. He has talked to countless people in all walks of life. A true tour de force!”
Steve Forbes

“Dr. Rainer Zitelmann takes us on an engrossing and engaging world tour to uncover the sources of wealth and poverty. The importance of freedom, particularly economic freedom, is highlighted as the essential ingredient of prosperity, and illustrated through dozens of illuminating examples. This is a powerful book, highly readable, and highly important.” 
Madsen Pirie, President of the Adam Smith Institute, London

“In this new book, Dr. Rainer Zitelmann takes us on a world economic freedom tour. Beginning with a comprehensive survey of citizen views on economic freedom, Zitelmann reviews the nation’s history and then, as an economic tourist, enriches both the content of the survey and the summary of history with onsite observations. The conclusion in 30 countries around the world is that the level of economic freedom is the primary determinate of prosperity and wealth.” 
Phil Gramm, Economist and former U.S. Senator

“With characteristic energy and acumen, Rainer Zitelmann presents us with a whirlwind of observations about dozens of countries and the extent to which their institutions and attitudes are conducive to future prosperity. The book also provides a wonderful snapshot of the freedom movement of the early 2020s: the people and civil society institutions that actively work to shape a better appreciation of individual rights and the magic of the market order when government is confined to its proper lane. I’m hopeful Zitelmann’s writings will inspire more readers to carry the torch in ever more countries!”
Brad Lips, CEO of Atlas Network – the world’s largest association of classical liberal think tanks 

“The times they are a’changing, as increasingly liberty-oriented younger generations across the globe reject the welfare statist politics of the past – and shift away from the philosophical underpinnings of sacrifice and envy. As the world’s leading authority on researching the levels of envy across populations, generations and time, Dr. Rainer Zitelmann is uniquely positioned to capture this shift in values and perspectives, as he takes the reader along on his “Liberty Road Trip,” in which he traveled to 30 countries over the course of a year, combining the academic rigor of his survey technique with a journalistic approach to understanding the actual individuals – their aspirations, attitudes, challenges, and outlooks. It’s tour-de-force that will give readers the data-driven optimism to feel grateful to be living in such extraordinary times.”
Jennifer Grossmann, CEO Atlas Society

“The Origins of Poverty and Wealth by Rainer Zitelmann is a delight to read, engrossing and entertaining throughout. Rainer is a keen observer of all that he experiences along this journey, citing relevant background data, yet efficient and accurate in conveying meaning relevant to global poverty and wealth. I’m thoroughly impressed that he has such an easy to read style that I couldn’t put the book down. What’s more, he introduces you to so many fine people along the way that one feels an impulse to travel in his footsteps to meet them.”
Ken Schoolland, Professor of Economics and author of The Adventures of Jona- than Gullible: A Free Market Odyssey, published in 53 languages

“Through firsthand observations, groundbreaking surveys, and thought- provoking conversations with everyone from billionaires to grassroots activists, Zitelmann reveals the undeniable connection between economic freedom and human prosperity. With the rigor of a historian, the curiosity of a world traveler, and the passion of a freedom advocate, Zitelmann offers invaluable insights and a powerful case for liberty as the foundation of progress. This book is not just an exploration of global socio-economic conditions – it’s a rallying cry for a worldwide recognition of capitalism’s transformative potential.”
Wolf von Laer, CEO, Students For Liberty

“The best thing is to make your own journey to 30 countries and to study the history and economy of these countries, to talk to politicians, entrepreneurs and ordinary people. If you don’t have the time or money for that, read this book and discover the world – together with a historian and sociologist who values freedom and entrepreneurship. What’s more, there is no better book if you want to get to know the libertarian and classical liberal world movement.”
John Mackey, Founder Whole Foods

“Rainer Zitelmann’s The Origins of Poverty and Wealth is a masterful exploration of global economies, blending rigorous analysis with engaging storytelling. With keen insights, vivid anecdotes, and a hopeful lens, he highlights the shift in values among liberty-oriented younger generations and the enduring power of free markets. Inspiring and thought-provoking, it’s a must-read for understanding wealth and freedom today.” 
Grover Norquist, President of Americans for Tax Reform, a taxpayer advocacy group he founded in 1985 at President Reagan’s request 
 

“Dr. Zitelmann’s economic tour of some 30 countries reminds me of Lee Yuan Yew’s tour of many nations after he became Prime Minister of Singapore in 1965. Before he left he was sympathetic toward socialism, but on his visits, he discovered that the countries that were growing were all followers of free- market capitalism. Being a practical man, he decided to adopt a pro-market approach to governing Singapore. And the rest is history. No doubt anyone reading Dr. Zitelmann’s tours will come to the same conclusion! Well done!”
Mark Skousen, America’s Economist, Chapman University

“A curious mix of travelogue, recent economic history, political economy, quantitative opinion polling, and qualitative expert accounts. Zitelmann certainly knows how to find the right people in the right places. The challenges classical liberals face differ hugely from place to place, which is why the focus of liberty activists is often purely domestic. But as this book also makes clear, there nonetheless is such a thing as a ‘global liberty movement.’ Maybe we should act like it more often, rather than pursue a vision of ‘classical liberalism in one country.’”
Kristian Niemietz, Editorial Director and Head of Political Economy, Institute for Economic Affairs, London