56 pages • 1 hour read
Michael J. SandelWhat Money Can’t Buy: The Moral Limits of Markets
Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 2012A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
What Money Can’t Buy by Michael J. Sandel critiques the pervasive influence of market values on societal institutions and values, questioning the morality of commodifying nonmarket spheres like health, education, and public services. Through various examples, Sandel urges a societal reevaluation of what should and shouldn't be for sale, emphasizing the need for public discourse on the limits of markets.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Michael J. Sandel's What Money Can’t Buy offers a compelling critique of market-driven societies, sparking thoughtful debate on the moral limits of markets. Praised for its accessible prose and philosophical depth, some readers find it repetitive and overly idealistic. Nonetheless, it succeeds in provoking critical reflection on the commodification of life’s essentials.
Who Should Read What Money Can’t Buy?
Readers who enjoyed Michael Sandel's Justice or Daniel Kahneman's Thinking, Fast and Slow will appreciate What Money Can't Buy. It appeals to those interested in ethics, philosophy, and the moral limits of markets, sparking critical thoughts on society’s commodification. Ideal for academics, policymakers, and thoughtful citizens.