Book Review: More money than Brains

Laura Penny, an academic from the East Coast has recently written this vitriolic rant about how stupid people are in charge of the world and eggheads, deemed lazy but intellectual, are somehow the repository of blame for all that is wrong with the world. I loved the ideas in the book; its style, not so much. However, Ms Penny makes valid criticisms when she discusses the current status of intellectualism in society. Market capitalization is constantly seen as a positive in the media despite the growing evidence capitalism is heading for a fall. Like Matthew Stewart, she constantly questions the validity of some business school programs when basically they amount to expensive networking opportunities. She wonders about the state of educational systems when numerous graduates of high school programs are almost inarticulate and illiterate. She questions the constant right wing criticism of government and the hypocrisy when government is necessary for companies that "are too big to fail."

If anything, Ms Penny can be seen as not harsh enough in her criticism of conservative ideologies that are currently dominating political rants. Ms Penny makes the point discussion really isn't happening when political ideologues insult one another rather than participate in a debate with each other. Further, she makes the most important point that silence is the dominant culture despite the idea that we live in a blogosphere of thousands of ideas; so many voices ultimately are saying the same thing and it is inane. There really are no valid opinions. No one has credentials anymore because the conservative way of thinking questions the validity of credentials. Worse yet, and this is not explored by Ms Penny, what happens when credentials are not credible? Case in point are current MBA programs, such as the one at Royal Roads University, whereupon a BA degree can be equated to life experience and a "graduand" permitted to work at post secondary level. The very notion diminishes the credibility of a BA and the MBA; although, in the working world, that MBA graduate may be entitled to a better salary based on questionable academics alone.

It is hard not to rant when thinking of Ms Penny's writing; her disdain for the lack of public discourse in so many areas is infectious. She is absolutely right that there is no respect for the thoughtful or considered opinion. The world, right now, is dominated by speedy satisfaction not level-headed thought. It is a book well worth reading although a headache may also result. The writing style is so loud and so vigorous, it can cloud the message; sadly, in some ways, Ms Penny almost echoes some of those she criticizes...a "Bill O'Reilly" of the page but, at least, she has content.