Robert J. Gordon and the End of an Exceptional Century

In his analysis, Robert J. Gordon challenges optimistic assumptions of infinite progress, pointing to the unique nature of the century 1870–1970. The author argues that the contemporary economy faces four "headwinds": demography, education, inequality, and public debt, which permanently reduce growth rates. The text sheds new light on the difference between statistical GDP growth and the real well-being experienced by citizens, emphasizing the importance of median income. Gordon critically assesses the impact of modern technologies and artificial intelligence, suggesting that their transformative potential may be less than that of past inventions. This is a provocative read for anyone seeking to understand the mechanisms shaping our economic future and the limits of civilizational development in an era of growing fiscal and social challenges.