The Sickness is the System: When Capitalism Fails to Save Us from Pandemics or Itself

by Richard D. Wolff

Published September 2020, by Democracy at Work

Paperback ISBN: 978-1-7356013-0-4
eBook ISBN: 978-1-7356013-1-1

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The coronavirus pandemic, the deepening economic crash, dangerously divisive political responses, and exploding social tensions have thrown an already declining American capitalist system into a tailspin. The consequences of these mounting and intertwined crises will shape our future. In this unique collection of over 50 essays, The Sickness is the System: When Capitalism Fails to Save Us from Pandemics or Itself, Richard D. Wolff argues clearly that "returning to normal" no longer responds adequately to the accumulated problems of US capitalism. What is necessary, instead, is transition toward a new economic system that works for all of us.

The Sickness is the System is published by Democracy at Work. Professor Wolff generously donated his time and work so that all sales revenue could go to support d@w.

Endorsements for The Sickness is the System

“A blueprint for how we got here, and a plan for how we will rescue ourselves.”
Chris Hedges, American Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist, New York Times best-selling author

“A magnificent source of hope and insight.”
Yanis Varoufakis, Greek economist, academic, philosopher, politician, author of Talking to my daughter about the economy

“In this compelling set of essays, and with his signature clarity, intensity, accessibility and deference to historical and present perspective, Wolff has issued not just a stark warning, but concrete reasoning, as to why this time really should be different.”
Nomi Prins, geopolitical financial expert and investigative journalist, author of Collusion: How Central Bankers Rigged the World

“One of the most powerful and incisive voices in America. As an economist he transcends that “dismal science”, he is a tribune of Main St, a voice of the people.”
George Galloway, British politician, broadcaster and writer

“Wolff clearly explains the ways that capitalism exacerbates unemployment, inequality, racism, and patriarchy; and threatens the health and safety of workers and communities - i.e., most of us.”
Jessica Gordon-Nembhard, Ph.D. Author of Collective Courage: A History of African American Cooperative Economic Thought and Practice.

“If you care about deeper measures of social health as Americans suffer the worst economic crisis since the Great Depression, you will find here a wealth of insight, statistics, and other ammunition that we all need in the fight for a more just society.”
Adam Hochschild, author of Lessons from a Dark Time, Rebel Cinderella, and other books

“The current failed system has a noose around all of our necks. Richard Wolff offers an economic vision that gets our society off the gallows.”
Jimmy Dore, American comedian, political commentator, and author of Your Country Is Just Not That Into You

"Indeed, his book is so thorough, so comprehensive in its insightful analysis, that it is a practically a one-stop center for anyone who wants to understand why the year 2020 has been such a dumpster fire."
Matthew Rozsa, Salon

"Very hopeful, and very inspiring"
Della Z Duncan, Upstream Podcast

"Wolff delivers his message with authority, backing his arguments with compelling evidence, providing much-needed clarity when considering the key drivers of recent capitalist crises."
Phil Armstrong, Counterfire

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